Lamech
maleAntediluvianMeaning: “Powerful; to make low”
The boastful, violent descendant of Cain — the first polygamist in Scripture — whose "song of the sword" glorifies vengeance.
Biography
Lamech of the line of Cain (not to be confused with Lamech the father of Noah in the line of Seth) was the son of Methushael and a figure of pride and violence in the pre-flood world (Genesis 4:18–24).
The first polygamist
Lamech is the first man recorded as taking two wives, Adah and Zillah (Genesis 4:19). Through them came his sons Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-cain — founders of herding, music, and metalworking — and his daughter Naamah.
The song of the sword
Lamech is remembered most for a boastful poem to his wives — the first piece of poetry in the Bible — in which he glories in murderous revenge: "I have slain a man to my wounding… If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold" (Genesis 4:23–24). His arrogance shows how far the line of Cain had descended into violence, a dark foil to Enoch and the godly line of Seth.
Life Timeline
Takes two wives and boasts of vengeance in the "song of the sword"
Family Tree
Drag to pan · use + / − to zoom · tap the + on a relative to expand a generation · click anyone to open their page
Frequently asked about Lamech
Who was Lamech in the Bible?
The boastful, violent descendant of Cain — the first polygamist in Scripture — whose "song of the sword" glorifies vengeance.
What does the name Lamech mean?
The name Lamech means “Powerful; to make low”.
Who were Lamech's children?
Lamech's children include Jabal, Jubal, Tubal-cain, Naamah.
Who were Lamech's parents?
Lamech was the child of Methushael.
Sermon Mate
Teaching on Lamech?
Organize your sermon notes, link Scripture passages, and build your outline in Sermon Mate — the workspace for ministry leaders.
Open Sermon Mate →