Genesis 4:22 Meaning and Explanation
“And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Zillah bears Tubalcain, master of metalworking, and Naamah.
The Context of Genesis 4:22
Tubalcain, son of Zillah, founds the craft of metalworking.
What Does Genesis 4:22 Mean?
Zillah, Lamech's second wife, bears Tubalcain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron—the master craftsman of metallurgy. Tubalcain is the father of the metal-working arts, bringing humanity the ability to forge tools and weapons from ore. This is a foundational technology, enabling far greater capability and control over creation.
Zillah also bears a daughter, Naamah. Her name means 'pleasantness,' but she is not elaborated upon here. Through Lamech's wives, civilization advances: Jabal in pastoral life, Jubal in music, and Tubalcain in the metal-working that will enable both art and warfare. These achievements are remarkable, yet they descend from the murderer Cain, reminding us that human ingenuity and grace can emerge from darkness.
Genesis 4:22 in the Original Language
lotet (לוֹטֵט), 'instructer' — one who sharpens, refines, or teaches; here, the master-craftsman of the forge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 4:22
What does Genesis 4:22 mean?
Zillah bears Tubalcain, master of metalworking, and Naamah.
What is the context of Genesis 4:22?
Tubalcain, son of Zillah, founds the craft of metalworking.