Genesis 4:21
New International Version
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.

New Living Translation
His brother’s name was Jubal, the first of all who play the harp and flute.

English Standard Version
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

Berean Standard Bible
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

King James Bible
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

New King James Version
His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.

New American Standard Bible
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and flute.

NASB 1995
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

NASB 1977
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

Legacy Standard Bible
And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

Amplified Bible
His brother’s name was Jubal; he became the father of all those [musicians] who play the lyre and flute.

Christian Standard Bible
His brother was named Jubal; he was the first of all who play the lyre and the flute.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His brother was named Jubal; he was the father of all who play the lyre and the flute.

American Standard Version
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and pipe.

English Revised Version
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and pipe.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
His brother's name was Jubal. He was the first person to play the harp and the flute.

Good News Translation
His brother was Jubal, the ancestor of all musicians who play the harp and the flute.

International Standard Version
His brother was named Jubal; he became the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and the flute.

Majority Standard Bible
And his brother?s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

NET Bible
The name of his brother was Jubal; he was the first of all who play the harp and the flute.

New Heart English Bible
His brother's name was Jubal, who was the father of all who play the harp and flute.

Webster's Bible Translation
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

World English Bible
His brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the name of his brother [is] Jubal, he has been father of everyone handling harp and pipe.

Young's Literal Translation
and the name of his brother is Jubal, he hath been father of every one handling harp and organ.

Smith's Literal Translation
And his brother's name Jubal; he was father of all laying hold of the harp and pipe.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And his brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of them that play upon the harp and the organs.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the name of his brother was Jubal; he was the father of those who sing to the harp and the organ.

New American Bible
His brother’s name was Jubal, who became the ancestor of all who play the lyre and the reed pipe.

New Revised Standard Version
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the ancestor of all those who play the lyre and pipe.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And his brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the guitar and harp.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the name of his brother was Yubal; he was the father to all who hold the psaltery and harp.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And his brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all such as handle the harp and pipe.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the name of his brother was Jubal; he it was who invented the psaltery and harp.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Descendants of Cain
20Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock. 21And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute. 22And Zillah gave birth to Tubal-cain, a forger of every implement of bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.…

Cross References
Exodus 15:20
Then Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing.

1 Chronicles 15:16
David also told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their relatives as singers to lift up their voices with joy, accompanied by musical instruments—harps, lyres, and cymbals.

Psalm 150:3-5
Praise Him with the sound of the horn; praise Him with the harp and lyre. / Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. / Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals.

2 Samuel 6:5
David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of wood instruments, harps, stringed instruments, tambourines, sistrums, and cymbals.

1 Chronicles 25:1-6
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

Job 21:12
singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute.

Isaiah 5:12
At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.

Amos 6:5
You improvise songs on the harp like David and invent your own musical instruments.

1 Samuel 10:5
After that you will come to Gibeah of God, where the Philistines have an outpost. As you approach the city, you will meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place, preceded by harps, tambourines, flutes, and lyres, and they will be prophesying.

2 Chronicles 5:12-13
all the Levitical singers—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps, and lyres, accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. / The trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” And the temple, the house of the LORD, was filled with a cloud

Revelation 14:2
And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of many waters and the loud rumbling of thunder. And the sound I heard was like harpists strumming their harps.

Revelation 18:22
And the sound of harpists and musicians, of flute players and trumpeters, will never ring out in you again. Nor will any craftsmen of any trade be found in you again, nor the sound of a millstone be heard in you again.

1 Corinthians 14:7
Even in the case of lifeless instruments, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone recognize the tune they are playing unless the notes are distinct?

Ephesians 5:19
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord,

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.


Treasury of Scripture

And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

A.

Romans 4:11,12
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: …

the harp.

Genesis 31:27
Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Job 21:12
They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ.

Isaiah 5:12
And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

Jump to Previous
Brother's Flute Handle Handling Harp Instruments Lyre Music Organ Pipe Play Players
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Brother's Flute Handle Handling Harp Instruments Lyre Music Organ Pipe Play Players
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.














And his brother’s name was Jubal;
Jubal is introduced as a descendant of Cain, specifically the son of Lamech and Adah. The name "Jubal" is believed to be related to the Hebrew word "yobel," which means "ram's horn" or "trumpet," suggesting a connection to music and sound. This introduction places Jubal in the early genealogies of Genesis, highlighting the development of human culture and civilization. The mention of his brother Jabal, who is associated with livestock, indicates a diversification of skills and professions among early humans.

he was the father of all who play the harp and flute.
Jubal is credited as the progenitor of musicians, specifically those who play stringed and wind instruments. The "harp" and "flute" represent some of the earliest forms of musical expression, indicating that music was an integral part of human culture from ancient times. This phrase suggests that Jubal's influence extended to all who engage in musical arts, marking him as a pivotal figure in the development of music. The reference to "father" implies not only biological descent but also a foundational role in the establishment of musical traditions. This can be seen as a reflection of the creative aspect of humanity, made in the image of God, who is often associated with music and praise throughout Scripture, such as in the Psalms.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jubal
Jubal is introduced as a descendant of Cain and the brother of Jabal. He is noted for being the "father of all who play the harp and flute," indicating his role as a pioneer in music and arts.

2. Jabal
Jubal's brother, mentioned in the preceding verse, is known as the "father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock," highlighting the development of pastoral life.

3. Cain's Lineage
The context of this passage is within the genealogy of Cain, showcasing the cultural and technological advancements of his descendants.

4. Harp and Flute
These instruments symbolize the early development of music and arts in human civilization, attributed to Jubal's influence.

5. The Early World
This passage is set in the early post-Edenic world, where humanity is beginning to establish culture and society.
Teaching Points
The Gift of Creativity
Jubal's role as the father of music highlights the God-given gift of creativity. We are encouraged to use our creative talents for God's glory and the enrichment of our communities.

Cultural Development
The advancements in music and arts seen in Jubal's time remind us of the importance of cultural development and its impact on society. Christians are called to engage with and contribute positively to culture.

Music in Worship
The origins of music in Jubal's lineage underscore its significance in worship. Believers are encouraged to incorporate music as a means of expressing praise and adoration to God.

Legacy and Influence
Jubal's legacy as a pioneer in music serves as a reminder of the lasting impact one can have. We should consider the legacy we are leaving and strive to influence others positively.

Innovation and Faith
The innovation seen in Jubal's time can inspire believers to pursue new ideas and advancements while maintaining a strong foundation in faith.Verse 21. - And his brother's name was Jubal. Player on an instrument, the musician. Cf. jobel, an onomatopoetic word signifying jubilum, a joyful sound. Cf. Greek, ὀλολύζειν ἀλαλάζειν; Latin, ululare; Swedish, iolen; Dutch, ioelen; German, juchen (Geseuius). He was the father of all such as handle the harp. The kinnor, a stringed instrument, played on by the plectrum according to Josephus ('Ant.,' 7, 12, 3), but in David's time by the hand (1 Samuel 16:23; 1 Samuel 18:10; 1 Samuel 19:9), corresponding to the modern lyre. Cf. κινύρα κιννύρα, cithara; German, knarren; so named either from its tremulous, stridulous sound (Gesenius), or from its bent, arched form (Furst). And the organ. 'Ugabh, from a root signifying to breathe or blow (Gesenius), or to make a lovely sound (Furst); hence generally a wind instrument - tibia, ftstula, syrinx; the shepherd's reed or bagpipe (Keil); the pipe or flute (Onkelos); the organon, i.e. an instrument composed of many pipes (Jerome). Kalisch discovers a fitness in the invention of musical instruments by the brother of a nomadic herdsman, as it is "in the happy leisure of this occupation that music is generally first exercised and appreciated." Murphy sees an indication of the easy circumstances of the line of Cain; Candlish, "an instance of the high cultivation which a people may often possess who are altogether irreligious and ungodly;" Bonar, a token of their deepening depravity - "it is to shut God out that these Cainites devise the harp and the organ."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And his brother’s
אָחִ֖יו (’ā·ḥîw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 251: A brother, )

name
וְשֵׁ֥ם (wə·šêm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

[was] Jubal;
יוּבָ֑ל (yū·ḇāl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3106: Jubal -- a son of Lamech

he
ה֣וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was
הָיָ֔ה (hā·yāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the father
אֲבִ֕י (’ă·ḇî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1: Father

of all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who play
תֹּפֵ֥שׂ (tō·p̄êś)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8610: To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably

the harp
כִּנּ֖וֹר (kin·nō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3658: A harp

and flute.
וְעוּגָֽב׃ (wə·‘ū·ḡāḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5748: (a reed musical instrument) perhaps a flute


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OT Law: Genesis 4:21 His brother's name was Jubal who was (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 4:20
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