Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 4:18
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
Hanoch means dedicated and refers to several men in the Bible, including a son of Reuben and a son of Jared who was taken to heaven without dying, as seen in Genesis 5:24.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Reuben living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.46.9; son of: Reuben (H7205); brother of: Pallu (H6396), Hezron (H2696) and Carmi (H3756) Also named: cha.no.khi (חֲנֹכִי "Hanochite " H2599) § Enoch = "dedicated" 1) eldest son of Cain 2) son of Jared and father of Methuselah whom God took home to heaven without dying 3) the city which Cain built and named after his son Enoch (after himself) Hanoch = "dedicated" 4) a son of Midian, the third child 5) the eldest son of Reuben
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Enoch. See also: Genesis 4:17; Genesis 5:24; 1 Chronicles 5:3.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Irad was a man who lived before the Flood, the son of Enoch and grandson of Cain, and father of Mehujael, as recorded in Genesis 4:18.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Enoch (H2585); father of: Mehujael (H4232) § Irad = "fleet" son of Enoch, grandson of Cain, and father of Mehujael
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Irad. See also: Genesis 4:18.
Irad was a man who lived before the Flood, the son of Enoch and grandson of Cain, and father of Mehujael, as recorded in Genesis 4:18.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Enoch (H2585); father of: Mehujael (H4232) § Irad = "fleet" son of Enoch, grandson of Cain, and father of Mehujael
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Irad. See also: Genesis 4:18.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Mehujael was a man who lived before the Flood, mentioned in Genesis 4:18. His name means smitten by God and he was the son of Irad and great-grandson of Cain.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Irad (H5897); father of: Methushael (H4967) § Mehujael = "smitten by God" son of Irad and great grandson of Cain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Mehujael. See also: Genesis 4:18.
Mehujael was a man who lived before the Flood, mentioned in Genesis 4:18. His name means smitten by God and he was the son of Irad and great-grandson of Cain.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Irad (H5897); father of: Methushael (H4967) § Mehujael = "smitten by God" son of Irad and great grandson of Cain
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Mehujael. See also: Genesis 4:18.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Methusael was a man who lived before the Flood, mentioned in Genesis 4:18 as the son of Mehujael and father of Lamech. His name means who is of God. He was part of the lineage of Cain, the first murderer in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Mehujael (H4232); father of: Lamech (H3929) § Methusael = "who is of God" son of Mehujael, 4th in descent from Cain, and father of Lamech
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Methusael. See also: Genesis 4:18.
Methusael was a man who lived before the Flood, mentioned in Genesis 4:18 as the son of Mehujael and father of Lamech. His name means who is of God. He was part of the lineage of Cain, the first murderer in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.18; son of: Mehujael (H4232); father of: Lamech (H3929) § Methusael = "who is of God" son of Mehujael, 4th in descent from Cain, and father of Lamech
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Methusael. See also: Genesis 4:18.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Lamech was a man who lived before the Flood, mentioned in Genesis 5. He was the father of Noah and a descendant of Cain. His name means 'powerful' and he's known for his strength and leadership.
Definition: A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.5.25; son of: Methuselah (H4968); father of: Noah (H5146) Also named: Lamech (Λάμεχ "Lamech" G2984) § Lamech = "powerful" 1) the 5th lineal descendant from Cain, husband of Adah and Zillah, father of sons, Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-cain, and daughter, Naamah 2) father of Noah
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Lamech. See also: Genesis 4:18; Genesis 5:26; 1 Chronicles 1:3.
Context — The Descendants of Cain
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Genesis 36:2 |
Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite, |
| 2 |
Genesis 5:21 |
When Enoch was 65 years old, he became the father of Methuselah. |
Genesis 4:18 Summary
Genesis 4:18 lists the descendants of Cain, showing how his family line continued after he settled in the land of Nod. This verse helps us understand the early history of humanity and how sin affected the lives of people, as seen in the violence and corruption that led to God's judgment in Genesis 6:5-7. The genealogy in this verse also reminds us of the importance of family and the role of parents in shaping the next generation, as taught in Deuteronomy 6:7 and Ephesians 6:4. By studying this verse, we can learn valuable lessons about the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's ways, as encouraged in Proverbs 22:6 and Psalm 119:105.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the genealogy listed in Genesis 4:18?
The genealogy in Genesis 4:18 shows the descendants of Cain and highlights the continuation of the human family line, as seen in Genesis 4:17 where Cain's son Enoch is mentioned, and also in Genesis 5:1-32 where the genealogy of Adam is given.
Who is Enoch in Genesis 4:18 and how does he relate to the other Enoch in the Bible?
The Enoch in Genesis 4:18 is the son of Cain, distinct from the Enoch in Genesis 5:18-24, who was the seventh generation from Adam and did not experience death because God took him, as mentioned in Hebrews 11:5.
What can we learn from the names and their meanings in Genesis 4:18?
The names in Genesis 4:18, such as Enoch, Irad, and Lamech, have meanings that reflect the hopes and circumstances of their parents, similar to how names were given in Genesis 4:1-2 and Genesis 5:29.
How does Genesis 4:18 fit into the overall narrative of Genesis 4?
Genesis 4:18 continues the story of Cain's descendants after he settled in the land of Nod, as described in Genesis 4:16-17, and sets the stage for the introduction of Lamech in Genesis 4:19-24, who will further exemplify the sinful nature of humanity, as warned in Genesis 6:5 and Romans 3:23.
Reflection Questions
- What can I learn from the way the Bible records the genealogies of different families, and how does this apply to my own family's history?
- How does the account of Cain's descendants in Genesis 4:18 reflect the consequences of sin, and what warnings can I take from this for my own life?
- In what ways do the names and their meanings in Genesis 4:18 reveal the thoughts and values of the people in this biblical account, and what can I learn from their examples?
- What does Genesis 4:18 teach me about the importance of family and the role of parents in shaping the next generation, as seen in the biblical command to teach children in Deuteronomy 6:7 and Ephesians 6:4?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 4:18
And unto Enoch was born Irad,.... But of neither of them is any other mention made, either in sacred or profane history; nor is it said how old Enoch was when Irad was born, nor how long he lived
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 4:18
And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. Unto Enoch was born Irad. The genealogy of Cain's family is here given to the sixth generation.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 4:18
Genesis 4:18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech.Ver. 18. And unto Enoch was born Irad, &c.] Cain had a numerous offspring. Seven generations of his are here reckoned. Seth is not yet born, that we hear of. The wicked "are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes." "They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance." They dance to "the timbrel and harp," (as here Jabal and Jubal did,) but they suddenly turn into hell, and so their merry dance ends in a miserable downfall.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 4:18
(18) Unto Enoch was born Irad.—Cain was building a city, ‘Ir, and it was this probably which suggested the name ‘Irad. It has little in common with Jared, as it begins with a harsh guttural, usually omitted in English because unpronounceable, but which appears as g in Gomorrah. Possibly ‘Irad means citizen; but these names have been so corrupted by transcribers that we cannot feel sure of them. Thus, here the LXX. calls ‘Irad Gaïdad, and the Syriac ‘Idor. In the list that follows, the names Mehujael (Samaritan Michel, Syriac Mahvoyel), Methusael, Enoch, and Lamech (Heb., Lemech), have a certain degree of similitude with those in the line of the Sethites, whence many commentators have assumed that the two lists are variations of the same original record. But it is usually a similarity of sound only with a diversity of meaning. Thus Mehujael, smitten of God, answers to Mahalaleel, glory to God; Methusael, God’s hero, to Methuselah, the armed warrior. Even when the names are the same, their history is often most diverse. Thus in the Cainite line Enoch is initiation into city life, in the Sethite into a life of holiness; and the Cainite polygamist Lemech, rejoicing in the weapons invented by his son, is the very opposite of the Sethite Lemech, who calls his son Noah, quiet, rest
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 4:18
18. And unto Enoch, &c.] The genealogy of Cain is a framework of names, each of which may have been connected with traditions that either had been forgotten, or were not deemed suitable for preservation in this context. It is a mistake, into which some commentators have been betrayed, to endeavour to extract meanings from the proper names of the antediluvian patriarchs. It is very doubtful, whether the original names would have conveyed the same thoughts which their later Hebraized pronunciation has suggested to devout, but fanciful, imagination. The facts of history are not to be spelt out from the obscure etymology of primaeval proper names. These well-meaning endeavours have sometimes been based on the assumption that Hebrew was the original language. The most that can be said is that these names preserve the recollection of legendary persons, and that they have received a Hebraized form which rendered them easier of pronunciation and facilitated a symbolical interpretation. Irad] The name occurs in 1 Chronicles 4:18; see note on Jared, Genesis 5:16. Mehujael] Cf. Mahalalel, Genesis 5:12.
If a Hebrew word, it may mean “blotted out by God.” Cf. Genesis 6:7, where “destroy” is in the marg. blot out. The LXX Ìáßçë must have read Mahyiel = “God maketh me to live.” Methushael] Cf. Methuselah, Genesis 5:21. Assyriologists say that the name means “Man of God,” and is the same as Mutu-sha-ili.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 4:18
18. Irad… Mehujael… Methusael — Compare the similar names in the Sethite genealogy recorded in the next chapter, Jared, Mahalaleel, and Methuselah.
Sermons on Genesis 4:18
| Sermon | Description |
|
Christ in Genesis: Enoch's Heaven
by Stephen Kaung
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the end times and the imminent judgment that will come upon the earth. He emphasizes the need for believers to live differentl |
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Types of the Temple
by Thomas Newberry
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Thomas Newberry explores the concept of the Temple as a representation of God's desire for companionship with humanity, tracing the journey from the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacl |