Genesis 4:20 nasb — Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.

NASB

"Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock."

— Genesis 4:20, NASB

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Genesis 4:20 in Other Translations

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Genesis 4 — Context

17

Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.

18

Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech.

19

Lamech took to himself two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah.

20

Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.

21

His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

22

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.

23

Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, Listen to my voice, You wives of Lamech, Give heed to my speech, For I have killed a man for wounding me; And a boy for striking me;

Genesis 4:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 4:20 say?
Genesis 4:20 in the NASB reads: “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.”
Where is Genesis 4:20 in the Bible?
Genesis 4:20 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 4, verse 20.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 4:20.
What translation should I read Genesis 4:20 in?
Genesis 4:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 4:20?
Genesis 4:20 reads (NASB): “Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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