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Genesis 4:18 - Generations before the Flood

Genesis 4:18 - בראשית 4:18

Hebrew Text

וַיִּוָּלֵד לַחֲנוֹךְ אֶת־עִירָד וְעִירָד יָלַד אֶת־מְחוּיָאֵל וּמְחִיּיָאֵל יָלַד אֶת־מְתוּשָׁאֵל וּמְתוּשָׁאֵל יָלַד אֶת־לָמֶךְ׃

English Translation

And to Ḥanokh was born ῾Irad: and ῾Irad begot Meĥuya᾽el: and Meĥiyya᾽el begot Metusha᾽el: and Metusha᾽el begot Lemekh.

Transliteration

Vayivaled la'Chanokh et-Irad ve'Irad yalad et-Mechuyael u'Mechiyael yalad et-Metushael u'Metushael yalad et-Lamekh.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּוָּלֵ֤ד לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ אֶת־עִירָ֔ד וְעִירָ֕ד יָלַ֖ד אֶת־מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑ל וּמְחִיָּיאֵ֗ל יָלַד֙ אֶת־מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔ל וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖ל יָלַ֥ד אֶת־לָֽמֶךְ׃
וַיִּוָּלֵ֤ד לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ אֶת־עִירָ֔ד וְעִירָ֕ד יָלַ֖ד אֶת־מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑ל וּמְחִיָּיאֵ֗ל יָלַד֙ אֶת־מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔ל וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖ל יָלַ֥ד אֶת־לָֽמֶךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Lineage of Ḥanokh (Enoch)

The verse traces the lineage from Ḥanokh to Lemekh, listing four generations: ῾Irad, Meĥuya᾽el, Metusha᾽el, and Lemekh. This genealogy appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 4:18, within the narrative of Kayin's (Cain's) descendants. Rashi notes that these names reflect the spiritual decline of Kayin's lineage, as each name carries connotations related to rebellion or destruction.

Analysis of the Names

  • ῾Irad (עִירָד): Rashi explains that this name may derive from "ir" (city), suggesting a connection to Kayin's earlier city-building (Bereishit 4:17). Alternatively, Midrashic sources associate it with "arod" (I will flee), symbolizing instability.
  • Meĥuya᾽el (מְחוּיָאֵל): The name may mean "smitten by G-d" (machah—to erase, and El—G-d), indicating divine judgment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a) alludes to this generation's moral deterioration.
  • Metusha᾽el (מְתוּשָׁאֵל): Ramban suggests this name combines "mut" (death) and "sha᾽al" (request), implying a generation that embraced mortality rather than righteousness.
  • Lemekh (לָמֶךְ): The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:4) interprets Lemekh's name as related to "limmud" (learning), but in a negative sense—learning evil from his ancestors.

Spiritual Decline in Kayin's Line

The Sages emphasize that this genealogy contrasts sharply with the lineage of Shet (Seth), which leads to Noach (Noah) and the preservation of humanity. The names in Kayin's line hint at increasing corruption, culminating in Lemekh, who, according to Midrashic tradition, was a murderer (Bereishit 4:23-24). The Zohar (1:54b) further associates these generations with the spread of idolatry and violence.

Lessons from the Verse

This passage teaches the consequences of straying from divine morality. As the Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:4) explains, a person's environment and lineage influence their character, but free will remains paramount. The decline of Kayin's descendants serves as a warning against unchecked sin and its generational impact.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list the descendants of Cain in Genesis 4:18?
A: The Torah lists Cain's descendants to show the development of human civilization and the spread of his lineage. According to Rashi and Midrashic sources, these generations were involved in innovations like building cities (as seen with Enoch) but also continued in the sinful ways of their ancestor Cain. It contrasts with the righteous line of Seth that follows later in the Torah.
Q: What is the significance of the names in Cain's genealogy (Genesis 4:18)?
A: Traditional Jewish commentators note that names in Torah often reflect characteristics or events. For example, 'Mehujael' can mean 'erased by God,' possibly hinting at divine judgment, while 'Methushael' contains the word 'mavet' (death), reflecting the violent legacy of Cain's line. The Sages teach that names in Torah are never arbitrary but carry deeper meaning.
Q: How does Lemekh (Genesis 4:18) connect to the later story in Genesis?
A: Lemekh is significant as the father of three sons (Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-cain) who founded different crafts (Genesis 4:20-22), showing human progress. However, the Midrash also associates him with increased violence, representing the moral decline that led to the Flood. His appearance in the genealogy shows how Cain's initial sin multiplied through generations.
Q: Why does the Torah spend time on Cain's descendants if they were wicked?
A: The Talmud teaches that the Torah includes these details to show: 1) God's precision in recording all human history, 2) how small sins can grow into great wickedness over generations (as Rambam discusses in Hilchot Teshuva), and 3) to contrast with the righteous line of Seth that follows, ultimately leading to Noah and the preservation of humanity.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Cain's genealogy in Genesis 4:18 today?
A: Jewish tradition derives several lessons: 1) Our actions impact future generations (as Pirkei Avot teaches), 2) technological progress (like Cain's descendants achieved) without moral growth is dangerous, and 3) every person - even from a 'wicked' line - has free will to choose righteousness, as later generations (like Noah) demonstrated.