Lexical Summary Yabal: Jabal Original Word: יָבָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Jabal The same as yabal; Jabal, an antediluvian -- Jabal. see HEBREW yabal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yabal Definition a son of Lamech NASB Translation Jabal (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. יָבָל proper name, masculine son of Lamech by Adah, and founder of pastoral life according to Genesis 4:20 (J); ᵐ5 Ιωβελ, ᵐ5L Ιωβηλ. Topical Lexicon Name and Genealogical Context Yabal is mentioned once, in Genesis 4:20. He is the elder son of Lamech and Adah and brother of Jubal; his half-siblings through Zillah are Tubal-Cain and Naamah. A member of the Cainite line, he belongs to the antediluvian era prior to the Flood. Historical Setting The brief Cainite genealogy (Genesis 4:17-24) chronicles early cultural milestones—city building, metallurgy, music, and livestock management. Within that setting Yabal introduces a nomadic, pastoral way of life, contrasting with Cain’s city-oriented legacy. Cultural Contribution Genesis 4:20: “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock.” Two hallmark contributions emerge: The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob later follow this pattern (Genesis 13:3; 26:14; 31:17-18), tying their lifestyle to Yabal’s precedent. Theological Significance 1. Stewardship Mandate Yabal embodies humanity’s delegated dominion over animals (Genesis 1:28), showing divine patience and common grace even within Cain’s line. The motif that culminates in Christ as “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) starts here. Yabal’s role anticipates Moses, David, and the pastoral imagery of Psalm 23. Life in tents underscores the transience of earthly dwelling, later echoed in Hebrews 11:13 regarding faith’s sojourning perspective. Scripture places Yabal’s pastures beside Enoch’s city to illustrate legitimate diversity in human vocation under God’s sovereign plan. Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Cultural innovation may serve God’s purposes despite originating in rebellious contexts. Related Biblical Themes Genesis 4:2 – Abel’s flock-keeping Genesis 13:5-7 – Strife over pasture between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen Psalm 23 – The LORD as Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 – The unfading crown from the Chief Shepherd Summary Yabal, “father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock,” pioneers nomadic animal husbandry. His brief appearance establishes a foundational occupation, foreshadows the shepherd theme woven throughout redemption history, and testifies to God’s sustaining grace in the earliest generations of humanity. Forms and Transliterations יָבָ֑ל יבל yā·ḇāl yāḇāl yaValLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:20 HEB: עָדָ֖ה אֶת־ יָבָ֑ל ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה NAS: gave birth to Jabal; he was the father KJV: bare Jabal: he was the father INT: gave Adah to Jabal he was |
    |