Lexical Summary Irad: Irad Original Word: עִירָד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Irad From the same as Arad; fugitive; Irad, an antediluvian -- Irad. see HEBREW Arad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition desc. of Cain NASB Translation Irad (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִירָד proper name, masculine a Cainite Genesis 4:18 (twice in verse) Γαιδαδ. Topical Lexicon Overview Irad (Strong’s Hebrew 5897 עִירָד) appears exclusively in Genesis 4:18, twice within the same verse. A grandson of Cain’s son Enoch and the father of Mehujael, he occupies a crucial midpoint in the primeval genealogy that traces the development of Cain’s line prior to the Flood. Genealogical Context Adam → Cain → Enoch → Irad → Mehujael → Methushael → Lamech Irad’s placement in the center of this seven-generation list underscores both continuity and tension: continuity in humanity’s rapid multiplication, and tension in the deepening effects of sin downstream from Cain’s original transgression. Biblical Occurrences Berean Standard Bible, Genesis 4:18: “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.” The double reference marks Irad both as son and as father, anchoring him firmly between forebear and offspring. Historical Significance 1. Antediluvian Civilization Irad lives during the formative centuries of human culture. His descendants pioneer animal husbandry, music, and metallurgy (Genesis 4:20-22), signaling that the technological and artistic flowering of early society flows through his branch of the family tree. Genesis 4 and 5 set Cain’s genealogy beside Seth’s. While Seth’s lineage leads to righteous Noah, Cain’s culminates in Lamech, whose boastful song magnifies violence (Genesis 4:23-24). Irad thus stands in a line that showcases human progress accompanied by moral decline. Even under the curse placed on Cain (Genesis 4:11-12), God allows successive generations—of which Irad is one—to rise. His life testifies to the LORD’s patience before the judgment of the Flood. Theological Reflections 1. Common Grace Irad exemplifies the reality that God “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). Cultural achievements grow in a family line estranged from God, displaying divine benevolence that invites repentance. With each generation the “way of Cain” (Jude 11) intensifies. Irad’s quiet mention reminds readers that omissions in the biblical record do not equal spiritual neutrality; every life contributes either to righteousness or to rebellion. The contrast between Cain’s and Seth’s genealogies heightens the expectation set in Genesis 3:15. Irad’s fleeting appearance in the unrighteous line accentuates the eventual arrival of Noah, then Abraham, and ultimately Jesus Christ—the Seed who overcomes sin’s curse. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Valuing Genealogies Irad encourages believers to read genealogical lists as purposeful Scripture. Each name advances God’s redemptive program and guards historical continuity. Though Scripture records no personal exploits for Irad, his position affects generations after him. Leaders, parents, and mentors today shape trajectories in ways they may never see. Irad’s placement within Cain’s family affirms that God is present and active even in lines marred by violence and pride. This grounds ministry confidence that grace can penetrate the hardest histories. Intertextual Connections • Hebrews 11:4 contrasts Abel’s accepted offering with Cain’s, framing the divergence that eventually absorbs Irad’s lineage. Conclusion Although Scripture grants him only two mentions, Irad’s role in the Cainite genealogy illuminates the complexities of early human history: cultural brilliance intertwined with spiritual decay, divine patience standing alongside impending judgment, and the unbroken thread of promise leading to ultimate redemption. Forms and Transliterations וְעִירָ֕ד ועירד עִירָ֔ד עירד ‘î·rāḏ ‘îrāḏ iRad veiRad wə‘îrāḏ wə·‘î·rāḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:18 HEB: לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ אֶת־ עִירָ֔ד וְעִירָ֕ד יָלַ֖ד NAS: was born Irad, and Irad KJV: was born Irad: and Irad INT: was born Enoch Irad and Irad became Genesis 4:18 2 Occurrences |
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