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Genesis 4:22
ESV Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
NIV Zillah also had a son, Tubal-Cain, who forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron. Tubal-Cain’s sister was Naamah.
NASB As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
CSB Zillah bore Tubal-cain, who made all kinds of bronze and iron tools. Tubal-cain’s sister was Naamah.
NLT Lamech’s other wife, Zillah, gave birth to a son named Tubal-cain. He became an expert in forging tools of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister named Naamah.
KJV And Zillah, she also bare Tubalcain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubalcain was Naamah.
NKJV And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

What does Genesis 4:22 mean?

The previous two verses told of the life and work of two of Lamech's sons. This verse lists two others, both born of Lamech's wife Zillah. Tubal-cain worked with the metals bronze and iron to forge instruments, likely tools and possibly weapons. His sister's name was Naamah. The picture that emerges from this description of Lamech, his wives, and his talented children is one of a thriving family and community. Lamech's extended family had access to resources and possessed wealth enough for innovation and investment of time and energy into music.

Right from the beginning, mankind is shown to be capable of creativity, innovation, industry, and productivity. As creatures made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), humanity is uniquely able to create and discover.

But as the following verses will make clear, Lamech has some things in common with his murdering ancestor Cain. The society which Cain produced will soon overtake the earth, spreading evil, until God intervenes with the great flood.
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