Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Lemekh and why is he important in the Torah?
A: Lemekh was a descendant of Kayin (Cain) and is mentioned in Sefer Bereishit (Genesis) as part of the early generations after Adam. He is significant because his words to his wives reflect the escalation of violence in the world before the Flood. Rashi explains that Lemekh accidentally killed Kayin and his own son, showing how sin and violence had spread.
Q: What does Lemekh mean when he says 'I have slain a man for wounding me'?
A: According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, Lemekh was confessing that he had killed two people—his ancestor Kayin (who had wounded humanity through his sin) and a young man (possibly his own son, Tubal-Cain, by accident). His statement reflects arrogance and a lack of remorse, highlighting the moral decline before the Flood.
Q: Why does Lemekh speak to his wives in this verse?
A: The Midrash suggests that Lemekh’s wives, fearing divine punishment due to the increasing violence in the world, separated from him to avoid bearing children. Lemekh responds by boasting of his strength, claiming that he can protect himself better than Hashem protected Kayin (who was given a protective mark). This shows his arrogance and misunderstanding of divine justice.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lemekh's words?
A: Lemekh’s attitude teaches the danger of pride and violence. Unlike his ancestor Kayin, who showed some remorse after killing Hevel (Abel), Lemekh boasts about his actions. The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches that true repentance requires humility and regret—qualities Lemekh lacked. His story warns against justifying wrongdoing.
Q: How does this verse connect to the story of the Flood?
A: Lemekh’s generation represents the moral decay that led Hashem to bring the Flood. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) explains that violence and corruption had become widespread. Lemekh’s arrogance and lack of repentance exemplify why the world needed purification through the Flood, leading to a new beginning with Noach (Noah).
Lemekh's Statement to His Wives
The verse records Lemekh's declaration to his wives, ῾Ada and Żilla, which has been interpreted in various ways by traditional Jewish commentators. The ambiguity of his words—"for I have slain a man for wounding me, and a young man for my hurt"—has led to multiple explanations in Midrashic and Talmudic sources.
Rashi's Interpretation
Rashi (Bereshit 4:23) explains that Lemekh was not confessing to murder but rather expressing regret and fear of divine punishment. He understood that he had accidentally killed his ancestor Kayin (Cain), who had been marked by Hashem to be protected from vengeance. Lemekh feared that if Kayin's punishment was delayed for seven generations (as per Bereshit 4:15), his own punishment would be even greater, as he was Kayin's descendant in the seventh generation.
Midrashic Perspectives
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 23:4) offers additional insights:
Rambam's Ethical Lesson
While Rambam does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings in Hilchot De'ot (Laws of Character Traits) emphasize the dangers of anger and violence. Lemekh's words serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive consequences of unchecked aggression and arrogance.
Talmudic Context
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 72a) discusses the principle of self-defense, which some commentators apply to Lemekh's statement. However, his excessive reaction ("a man for wounding me") suggests a disproportionate response, contrary to Torah values of measured justice.
Conclusion in Jewish Thought
Lemekh's words remain enigmatic, but Orthodox Jewish tradition largely views them as either a lament over unintended consequences or a warning against hubris and violence. His lineage—being descended from Kayin and fathering figures associated with sin (e.g., Tuval-Kayin, the inventor of weaponry)—reinforces the theme of moral decline before the Flood.