Tubal-cain
Who he was
Tubal-cain is mentioned in Genesis 4:22 as a descendant of Cain, the son of Lamech and Zillah. He is described as a forger of all instruments of bronze and iron, making him the first metalworker mentioned in the Bible. The name Tubal-cain consists of two elements meaning "producer" and "smith," emphasizing his role as a craftsman. No other details are provided about his life or specific works. Tubal-cain's skills in metalworking represent the development of civilization and technology among the descendants of Cain before the flood. His story illustrates God's grace in allowing cultural advancements even among those who had turned away from Him.
Family
Every mention
Genesis 1 mention
What the dictionary says
The son of Lamech and Zillah, “an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron” (Gen. 4:22; R.V., “the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and…
Sources
- STEPBible TIPNR · Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References · CC BY 4.0 · github.com/STEPBible/STEPBible-Data
- Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (1869) · Public domain