The BibleGospel Companion

Tubal-cain

תּוּבַל־קַ֫יִן · tu.val qa.yin · H8423“worldly possession; possessed of confusion” Hitchcock's 18691 mention, all in Genesis

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.

Article: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Family

FatherLamechMotherZillahSiblingsJabal, Jubal, Naamah
Family relations: STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0

Every mention

1 reference, counted from STEPBible, Tyndale House Cambridge · CC BY 4.0 · verse text: World English Bible (public domain)

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…

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
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Sources