Genesis 4:18
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.

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.

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.

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And born to Enoch is Irad; and Irad has begotten Mehujael; and Mehujael has begotten Methusael; and Methusael has begotten 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
And 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 1917
And 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 Cain
17And 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
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 1:1-4
Adam, Seth, Enosh, / Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, / Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah. ...

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.

Luke 3:23-38
Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was regarded as the son of Joseph, the son of Heli, / the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, / the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, ...

Matthew 1:1-17
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

Jude 1:11
Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion.

1 John 3:12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Numbers 26:58-59
These were the families of the Levites: The Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, and the Korahite clan. Now Kohath was the father of Amram, / and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She was also a daughter of Levi, born to Levi in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses, and their sister Miriam.

Exodus 6:16-20
These were the names of the sons of Levi according to their records: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. Levi lived 137 years. / The sons of Gershon were Libni and Shimei, by their clans. / The sons of Kohath were Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. Kohath lived 133 years. ...

1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

1 Kings 4:31
He was wiser than all men—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and wiser than Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread throughout the surrounding nations.


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;

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Genesis 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
The name Mehujael can be interpreted as "smitten by God" or "God gives life," indicating a recognition of divine influence or judgment. This reflects the ongoing tension between humanity's sinful nature and God's sovereignty. The genealogy here serves to trace the development of human society and the continuation of Cain's line, which is marked by both innovation and moral decline.

and Mehujael was the father of Methusael
Methusael's name, meaning "man of God" or "they died who are of God," suggests a continued awareness of the divine, even within Cain's line. This name may imply a struggle between acknowledging God and living in rebellion. The genealogy underscores the complexity of human relationships with God, as even those outside the chosen line bear names that reflect divine interaction.

and Methusael was the father of Lamech
Lamech is a significant figure in Cain's lineage, known for his violent nature and polygamy, as described later in Genesis 4. His name means "powerful" or "conqueror," and he represents the culmination of the moral decline in Cain's line. Lamech's actions and his boastful declaration to his wives foreshadow the increasing wickedness that leads to the flood narrative. This genealogy contrasts with the line of Seth, which leads to Noah and the preservation of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Enoch
Not 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 Sin
The 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.(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, rest

Verse 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. . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now to Enoch
לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ (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


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OT Law: Genesis 4:18 To Enoch was born Irad (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 4:17
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