Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. New Living Translation Enoch had a son named Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. English Standard Version To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. Berean Standard Bible Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech. Berean Literal Bible And to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad begat Mehujael, and Mehujael begat Methushael, and Methushael begat Lamech. King James Bible And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. New King James Version To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech. New American Standard Bible Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. NASB 1995 Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. NASB 1977 Now to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad became the father of Mehujael; and Mehujael became the father of Methushael; and Methushael became the father of Lamech. Legacy Standard Bible Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. Amplified Bible Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. Berean Annotated Bible Now to Enoch (teaching) was born Irad (fleet), and Irad was the father of Mehujael (smitten by God), and Mehujael was the father of Methusael (who is of God), and Methusael was the father of Lamech (lamenting). Christian Standard Bible Irad was born to Enoch, Irad fathered Mehujael, Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. Holman Christian Standard Bible Irad was born to Enoch, Irad fathered Mehujael, Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. American Standard Version And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methushael; and Methushael begat Lamech. Contemporary English Version Then Enoch had a son named Irad, who had a son named Mehujael, who had a son named Methushael, who had a son named Lamech. English Revised Version And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methushael: and Methushael begat Lamech. GOD'S WORD® Translation To Enoch was born Irad. Irad was the father of Mehujael. Mehujael was the father of Methushael. And Methushael was the father of Lamech. Good News Translation Enoch had a son named Irad, who was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael had a son named Methushael, who was the father of Lamech. International Standard Version Irad was born to Enoch. Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. NET Bible To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael. Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech. New Heart English Bible To Hanoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehaiel, and Mehaiel became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. Webster's Bible Translation And to Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech. World English Bible Irad was born to Enoch. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd born to Enoch is Irad; and Irad has begotten Mehujael; and Mehujael has begotten Methusael; and Methusael has begotten Lamech. Berean Literal Bible And to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad begat Mehujael, and Mehujael begat Methushael, and Methushael begat Lamech. Young's Literal Translation And born to Enoch is Irad; and Irad hath begotten Mehujael; and Mehujael hath begotten Methusael; and Methusael hath begotten Lamech. Smith's Literal Translation And to Enoch shall be born Irad; and Irad begat Mehujael; and Mehujael begat Methusael; and Methusael begat Lamech. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Henoch begot Irad, and Irad begot Maviael, and Maviael begot Mathusael, and Mathusael begot Lamech: Catholic Public Domain Version Thereafter, Enoch conceived Irad, and Irad conceived Mahujael, and Mahujael conceived Mathusael, and Mathusael conceived Lamech. New American Bible To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael; Mehujael became the father of Methusael, and Methusael became the father of Lamech. New Revised Standard Version To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael the father of Methushael, and Methushael the father of Lamech. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael; and Mehujael begot Methusael: and Methusael begot Lamech. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Aydar was born to Khenok, and Aydar begot Mekhuyl, and Mekhuyl begot Methushyl, and Methushyl begot Lamek. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And unto Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael; and Mehujael begot Methushael; and Methushael begot Lamech. Brenton Septuagint Translation And to Enoch was born Gaidad; and Gaidad begot Maleleel; and Maleleel begot Mathusala; and Mathusala begot Lamech. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Descendants of Cain17And Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch. 18Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech. 19And Lamech married two women, one named Adah and the other Zillah.… Cross References Now to Enoch was born Irad, Genesis 5:18-24 When Jared was 162 years old, he became the father of Enoch. / And after he had become the father of Enoch, Jared lived 800 years and had other sons and daughters. / So Jared lived a total of 962 years, and then he died. … Hebrews 11:5-6 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. / And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Jude 1:14-15 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, also prophesied about them: “Behold, the Lord is coming with myriads of His holy ones / to execute judgment on everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of every ungodly act of wickedness and every harsh word spoken against Him by ungodly sinners.” and Irad was the father of Mehujael, Luke 3:37-38 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Cainan, / the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God. 1 Chronicles 1:1-4 Adam, Seth, Enosh, / Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, / Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. … and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, Genesis 6:8-10 Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD. / This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. / And Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 2 Peter 2:5 if He did not spare the ancient world when He brought the flood on its ungodly people, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, among the eight; and Methusael was the father of Lamech. Genesis 5:28-31 When Lamech was 182 years old, he had a son. / And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.” / And after he had become the father of Noah, Lamech lived 595 years and had other sons and daughters. … Genesis 5:32 After Noah was 500 years old, he became the father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 1 Peter 3:20 who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water. Genesis 5:1-32 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in His own likeness. / Male and female He created them, and He blessed them. And in the day they were created, He called them “man.” / When Adam was 130 years old, he had a son in his own likeness, after his own image; and he named him Seth. … Genesis 10:1-32 This is the account of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, who also had sons after the flood. / The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. / The sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. … 1 Chronicles 1:17-28 The sons of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. The sons of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Meshech. / Arphaxad was the father of Shelah, and Shelah was the father of Eber. / Two sons were born to Eber: One was named Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother was named Joktan. … 1 Chronicles 1:34 Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. 1 Chronicles 2:1-2 These were the sons of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, / Dan, Joseph, Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. Treasury of Scripture And to Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. A. Genesis 5:21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: Genesis 36:2 Esau took his wives of the daughters of Canaan; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; Jump to Previous Begat Begot Begotten Born Enoch LamechJump to Next Begat Begot Begotten Born Enoch LamechGenesis 4 1. The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel.8. Cain murders his brother Abel. 11. The curse of Cain. 17. Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name. 18. His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives. 25. The birth of Seth, 26. and Enos. Now to Enoch was born Irad Enoch, the son of Cain, is part of the lineage that begins to populate the earth after the expulsion from Eden. The name "Irad" may suggest a sense of "fugitive" or "wild ass," reflecting the turbulent times and the wandering nature of Cain's descendants. This lineage is distinct from the godly line of Seth, which is introduced later. The mention of Enoch and his descendants highlights the rapid expansion of humanity and the development of early civilization. and Irad was the father of Mehujael and Mehujael was the father of Methusael and Methusael was the father of Lamech Persons / Places / Events 1. EnochNot to be confused with the Enoch who walked with God, this Enoch is a descendant of Cain, representing the continuation of Cain's lineage. 2. Irad The son of Enoch, whose name may imply "fleet" or "wild ass," suggesting a life of independence or rebellion. 3. Mehujael The son of Irad, whose name could mean "smitten by God," indicating a possible acknowledgment of divine judgment or presence. 4. Methushael The son of Mehujael, with a name that might mean "man of God" or "they died who are of God," reflecting a complex relationship with the divine. 5. Lamech The son of Methushael, known for his violent actions and the first instance of polygamy in the Bible, which is further elaborated in the subsequent verses. Teaching Points The Consequences of SinThe lineage of Cain illustrates the perpetuation of sin and its consequences through generations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of repentance and turning back to God. Names and Their Meanings The meanings of the names in this genealogy reflect the spiritual and moral state of the individuals and their relationship with God. This encourages us to consider the significance of our own names and reputations. Generational Influence The passage highlights how the actions and attitudes of one generation can influence the next. It challenges us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations. Contrast with Righteousness By comparing the line of Cain with the line of Seth, we see a clear contrast between living in rebellion and living in righteousness. This encourages us to choose a path that aligns with God's will. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 4:18?2. How does Genesis 4:18 illustrate the importance of family lineage in Scripture? 3. What can we learn from the genealogy in Genesis 4:18 about God's plan? 4. How does Genesis 4:18 connect to the broader narrative of Genesis 4? 5. How can understanding biblical genealogies deepen our faith and trust in God's promises? 6. What practical steps can we take to honor our family heritage in faith? 7. How does Genesis 4:18 fit into the genealogy of Cain's descendants? 8. What is the significance of the names listed in Genesis 4:18? 9. Why does Genesis 4:18 focus on Cain's lineage despite his sin? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 4? 11. What became of Cain? 12. What caused Cain's death? 13. Why does the text claim God is physically present and conversing with Abraham if other passages emphasize God's transcendence (Genesis 18:1, 22)? 14. Jesus says, 'No one has seen God' (John 1:18), but Genesis 32:30 says Jacob saw God face to face. Isn't this a contradiction? What Does Genesis 4:18 Mean Now to Enoch was born Irad“Now to Enoch was born Irad.” (Genesis 4:18a) • This statement records a real birth in the historical line of Cain, linking back to Genesis 4:17 where Cain built a city and named it after Enoch. • The name Irad (“runner,” “wild donkey”) suggests vigor and motion, hinting at the rapid spread of Cain’s culture. • The verse affirms that, even outside Eden, God allows human life to flourish (cf. Acts 17:25). • At the same time, the genealogy keeps Cain’s line separate from Seth’s godly line introduced in Genesis 4:25–26, underscoring the two spiritual streams later contrasted in 1 John 3:12. and Irad was the father of Mehujael “And Irad was the father of Mehujael.” (Genesis 4:18b) • “Mehujael” may mean “smitten of God,” hinting that Cain’s descendants could never outrun the consequences of sin (cf. Numbers 32:23). • The unbroken succession shows God’s patience: though judgment was pronounced on Cain (Genesis 4:11–12), God still grants generations to arise, illustrating 2 Peter 3:9. • Cain’s family line continues to advance culture (musical instruments, metallurgy, Genesis 4:20–22), proving humanity’s God-given creative capacity remains despite the Fall. and Mehujael was the father of Methusael “And Mehujael was the father of Methusael.” (Genesis 4:18c) • “Methusael” possibly echoes “man of God” or “man who is of God,” showing that even in a rebellious line, the knowledge of God’s name lingers (cf. Romans 1:19–20). • The text emphasizes a steady march of generations; Cain’s family is not wiped out instantly but allowed to develop, testifying to divine longsuffering (Isaiah 30:18). • These names bridge the period from Eden’s expulsion to the pre-Flood world, preparing the stage for increasing violence (Genesis 6:11) as sin’s influence compounds. and Methusael was the father of Lamech “And Methusael was the father of Lamech.” (Genesis 4:18d) • Lamech becomes the climax of Cain’s genealogy (Genesis 4:19–24). He introduces polygamy and boasts of vengeance, demonstrating sin’s escalation through the line (cf. Romans 6:19). • By presenting Lamech last, Scripture sets up a vivid contrast with the righteous Enoch and Noah in Seth’s line (Genesis 5:22, 29), highlighting two diverging paths humanity can follow (Psalm 1:1–6). • The clear, literal chain from Adam to Lamech underscores that depravity is inherited yet individual choices deepen it—warning every generation (Ezekiel 18:20). summary Genesis 4:18 is far more than a list of forgotten names. It tracks the literal lineage of Cain, illustrating God’s mercy in allowing life and culture to grow even under judgment. Each generation retains echoes of God’s reality while also revealing a progressive hardening toward violence and pride, culminating in Lamech. The verse reminds readers that family lines matter, choices echo through descendants, and God’s patient grace coexists with the accumulating consequences of sin. (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 Ga‹dad, 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, restVerse 18. - Years passed away, the family of Cain grew to manhood, and, in imitation of their parents, founded homes for themselves. And unto Enoch (whose wife probably would also be his sister, few caring at this early stage to intermarry with the accursed race) was born Irad. Townsman, citizen, urbanus civilis (Keil, Lange); fleet as a wild ass (Murphy); ornament of a city, from Ir, a city (Wordsworth). And Irad begat Mehujael. Smitten of God (Keil, Gesenius, Murphy), the purified or formed of God (Lange). And Mehujael begat Methusael. Man of God (Gesenius, Lange), man asked or man of El (Murphy), man of prayer (Keil). And Methusael begat Lamech. Strong youth (Gesenius, Lange); man of prayer, youth (Murphy); king, by metathesis for melech (Wordsworth). The resemblance between these names and those in the line of Seth has been accounted for by supposing a commingling of the two genealogies, or one common primitive legend in two forms (Ewald, Knobel). But -1. The similarity of the names does not necessarily imply the identity of the persons. Cf. Korah in the families of Levi (Exodus 6:21) and Esau (Genesis 36:5); Hanoch in those of Reuben (eh. 46:9) and Midian (Genesis 25:4); Kenaz in those of Esau (Genesis 36:11) and Judah (Numbers 32:12). 2. The similarity of the names only proves that the two collateral branches of the same family did not keep entirely apart. 3. The paucity of names at that early period may have led to their repetition. . . . Hebrew Now to Enochלַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ (la·ḥă·nō·wḵ) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2585: Enoch -- four Israelites, sons of Cain, Jered, Midian and Reuben was born וַיִּוָּלֵ֤ד (way·yiw·wā·lêḏ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage Irad, עִירָ֔ד (‘î·rāḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5897: Irad -- descendant of Cain and Irad וְעִירָ֕ד (wə·‘î·rāḏ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5897: Irad -- descendant of Cain was the father of יָלַ֖ד (yā·laḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage Mehujael, מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑ל (mə·ḥū·yā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4232: Mehujael -- 'smitten of God', great-grandson of Cain and Mehujael וּמְחִיּיָאֵ֗ל (ū·mə·ḥî·y·yā·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4232: Mehujael -- 'smitten of God', great-grandson of Cain was the father of יָלַד֙ (yā·laḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage Methusael, מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔ל (mə·ṯū·šā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4967: Methushael -- 'man of God', a descendant of Cain and Methusael וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖ל (ū·mə·ṯū·šā·’êl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4967: Methushael -- 'man of God', a descendant of Cain was the father of יָלַ֥ד (yā·laḏ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3205: To bear young, to beget, medically, to act as midwife, to show lineage Lamech. לָֽמֶךְ׃ (lā·meḵ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3929: Lamech -- a descendant of Cain, also a descendant of Seth Links Genesis 4:18 NIVGenesis 4:18 NLT Genesis 4:18 ESV Genesis 4:18 NASB Genesis 4:18 KJV Genesis 4:18 BibleApps.com Genesis 4:18 Biblia Paralela Genesis 4:18 Chinese Bible Genesis 4:18 French Bible Genesis 4:18 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad (Gen. 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