Genesis 4:17-24

The descendants of Cain

17 Cain had sex with his wife. She became pregnant and she gave birth to Enoch. Cain started to build a city. He called the city Enoch because that was his son's name. 18 Enoch became the father of Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.

19 Lamech married two women. One was called Adah. The other was called Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal. Jabal became the father of people who live in tents and they take care of animals.

21 Jabal had a brother called Jubal. Jubal became the father of people who make music with harps and flutes.

22 Zillah gave birth to a son. His name was Tubal-Cain. He used bronze and iron to make tools. Tubal-Cain had a sister. Her name was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to his two wives,

‘Adah and Zillah, listen to me!

My wives, hear my words!

A man attacked me, so I killed him.

Yes, I killed a young man because he hurt me.

24 If someone kills Cain, God will punish that person seven times more.

But if someone attacks me, I will punish that person 77 times more!’

4:24Lamech is proud because he killed the young man. He wants to tell people what he has done. He does not think that he has done anything wrong. This shows that sin has become much worse in the world.