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

World English Bible

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

— Genesis 4:20, World English Bible

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Genesis 4:20 in Other Translations

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Genesis 4 — Context

17

Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

18

To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.

19

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

20

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

21

His brother's name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe.

22

Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. Tubal Cain's sister was Naamah.

23

Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Lamech, listen to my speech, for I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me.

Genesis 4:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 4:20 say?
Genesis 4:20 in the World English Bible reads: “Adah gave birth to Jabal, who 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 (WEB): “Adah gave birth to Jabal, who 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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