Lamech

Methushael’s son, a descendant of Cain, and the husband of Adah and Zillah.

Lamech’s sons with Adah were:

• Jabal, “the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock”

• Jubal, “the father of all who play the harp and flute

His children with Zillah were:

• Tubal-cain, “a forger of every implement of bronze and iron,”

• Naamah (Genesis 4:18–22)

In the early chapters of Genesis, Lamech’s sons represent the beginnings of herding, music, and metalworking. Lamech’s song (Genesis 4:23–24) is an early example of Hebrew poetry. In this song, Lamech boasts about killing a man who had wounded him, comparing his act of vengeance to Cain’s murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8–12). He asserts that “If Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” Lamech’s song shows how as civilization grew, so did pride and violence. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' teaching on forgiveness, where he advises forgiving “seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22).

Methuselah’s son, and the father of Noah (Genesis 5:25–31; 1 Chronicles 1:3). When Noah was born, Lamech hoped that the child would bring relief to humanity from the curse placed upon Adam (Genesis 5:29; compare Genesis 3:17). He lived for 777 years, one of the longest lives among those who lived before the Flood. The Dead Sea Scrolls contained long conversations between Lamech and his father, Methuselah. Lamech is listed as an ancestor of Jesus in the family list recorded in Luke 3:36.