Genesis 4:26

Authorized King James Version

And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּלְשֵׁ֤ת

H8352

And to Seth

sheth, third son of adam

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הוּא֙

H1931

to him

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יֻלַּד

H3205

also there was born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

בֵּ֔ן

H1121

a son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לִקְרֹ֖א

H7121

and he called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

אֱנ֑וֹשׁ

H583

Enos

enosh, a son of seth

#10

אָ֣ז

H227

at that time or place; also as a conjunction, therefore

#11

הוּחַ֔ל

H2490

then began men

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#12

לִקְרֹ֖א

H7121

and he called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#13

בְּשֵׁ֥ם

H8034

his name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

#14

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

Within the broader context of Genesis, this passage highlights creation and providence through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Genesis.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the tribal and clan-based society of the ancient Near East. The author writes to address the foundational narrative for Israel's identity and relationship with God, making the emphasis on creation and providence particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding creation and providence as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People

Study Resources

Biblical Timeline