Genesis 4:19 - Polygamy's Torah precedent?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח־לוֹ לֶמֶךְ שְׁתֵּי נָשִׁים שֵׁם הָאַחַת עָדָה וְשֵׁם הַשֵּׁנִית צִלָּה׃

English Translation

And Lemekh took to him two wives: the name of the one was ῾Ada, and the name of the other Żilla.

Transliteration

Vayikach-lo Lemech shtei nashim, shem ha'achat Ada, ve'shem hashenit Tzila.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּֽקַּֽח־ל֥וֹ לֶ֖מֶךְ שְׁתֵּ֣י נָשִׁ֑ים שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ עָדָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית צִלָּֽה׃

Parasha Commentary

Lemekh's Two Wives: Ada and Zilla

The verse (Bereishit 4:19) states that Lemekh took two wives, Ada and Zilla. This raises several questions that are addressed by traditional commentators:

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (based on Bereishit Rabbah 23:2) explains that Lemekh took two wives for a specific purpose: one for procreation and one for marital relations. Ada was designated for bearing children, while Zilla was taken for beauty and companionship. This reflects a distortion of the proper marital relationship, as a wife should fulfill both purposes.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:2) elaborates that Ada's name (עָדָה) comes from the root meaning "to pass" or "cease," indicating she would cease from bearing children after fulfilling her duty. Zilla's name (צִלָּה) relates to "shadow," suggesting she would always be at Lemekh's side like a shadow for companionship.

Moral Lesson

This episode is understood by commentators as demonstrating the moral decline before the Flood. The Ramban notes that Lemekh's behavior represents:

A departure from the ideal of monogamous marriage established with Adam and Chava
The beginning of treating women as objects for specific purposes rather than as complete partners
An example of the corruption that led to the Flood generation's destruction

Names as Indicators of Character

The Malbim explains that the names themselves teach about the moral state of that generation. Ada (from עדה - testimony) suggests she was taken to testify to Lemekh's virility, while Zilla (from צל - shadow) indicates she was kept hidden for pleasure, showing the perversion of proper marital relations.

Halachic Perspective

While the Torah later permits multiple wives (with certain restrictions), this episode is viewed by many commentators as demonstrating why monogamy became the ideal. The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 14:3) later codifies that a man should not take multiple wives unless he can properly provide for and treat them equally.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 63a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the practice of taking multiple wives and the implications of such actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lemekh take two wives according to Jewish tradition?
A: Rashi explains that Lemekh took two wives for selfish reasons: one (Ada) for childbearing and the other (Tzillah) for beauty and companionship. This was against the ideal marital model established by Hashem, where one man and one woman unite as equal partners (Genesis 2:24). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 23:2) criticizes this as an abuse of marriage.

Q: What is the significance of the names Ada and Tzillah in this verse?
A: Traditional commentators note that 'Ada' (עָדָה) comes from the root meaning 'to adorn' or 'to pass,' suggesting she was taken for ornamental purposes. 'Tzillah' (צִלָּה) means 'shadow,' implying she was kept secluded like a shadow (Rashi, Ibn Ezra). The names hint at Lemekh's flawed approach to marriage.

Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish views on marriage?
A: This verse is often contrasted with the Torah's ideal of monogamous marriage. Rambam (Ishut 14:3) later codifies that while biblical figures sometimes had multiple wives, the Torah ultimately promotes a union of one man and one woman (as seen with Adam and Chava). Lemekh's behavior serves as a negative example of distorting this ideal.

Q: Why is Lemekh's family mentioned in the Torah?
A: The Torah traces Lemekh's lineage (through his wives Ada and Tzillah) to show the development of human civilization (his descendants invented music and metalwork - Genesis 4:20-22). However, the Midrash (Tanchuma Bereishit 11) notes this family also represents moral decline, culminating in Lemekh's violent poem in the next verses (4:23-24).