Old Testament
Genesis 4:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
One day Lamech said to his wives, "Adah and Zillah, listen to me. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for hurting me."
Compare translations
And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
What Genesis 4:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this moment, Lamech speaks to his wives, Adah and Zillah, revealing a dark part of his life. He boasts about having killed a man who wounded him, suggesting a cycle of violence and revenge. Lamech's words reflect a hardened heart, where he feels justified in taking a life for personal injury. This statement highlights the escalating violence in humanity, as Lamech seems proud rather than remorseful. His actions and words show a shift away from valuing life, indicating a troubling trend in human behavior. This moment serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked anger and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. Lamech's declaration is a stark warning about the dangers of vengeance and the impact it can have on relationships and society. It challenges us to consider how we respond to hurt and whether we choose forgiveness or retaliation in our own lives. Ultimately, Lamech's story is a reflection on the human condition and the choices we make in the face of pain.
How to apply Genesis 4:23 to your life
When faced with hurt or betrayal, we often feel the urge to retaliate. Lamech's story reminds us that responding with violence only perpetuates a cycle of pain. Instead, we should seek peaceful resolutions and practice forgiveness. Choosing to heal rather than harm can transform our relationships and communities for the better. Let’s reflect on our responses to conflict and strive for understanding instead of revenge.
Curated for this public verse page. Genesis Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Cain's story: Cain's City and Family Line (Genesis 4:17–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Cain
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Genesis 4:23
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Genesis 4:23
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Genesis
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Lamech's statement in Genesis 4:23 reveal about his character?
Lamech's statement reveals a character that is hardened and vengeful. He boasts about killing a man for wounding him, indicating a lack of remorse and a justification for violence. This reflects a troubling shift in human behavior where taking a life is seen as a means of settling personal grievances, highlighting the dangers of unchecked anger and the normalization of violence.
How does Genesis 4:23 relate to the theme of revenge in the Bible?
Genesis 4:23 illustrates the theme of revenge by showcasing Lamech's pride in his violent actions. His declaration serves as a warning about the cycle of retaliation, emphasizing that responding to hurt with violence only escalates conflict. This theme is echoed throughout the Bible, where forgiveness and reconciliation are often presented as the preferred responses to wrongdoing.
What lessons can we learn from Lamech's actions in Genesis 4:23?
Lamech's actions teach us about the consequences of choosing vengeance over forgiveness. His story serves as a reminder that responding to hurt with violence perpetuates a cycle of pain and conflict. Instead, we are encouraged to seek peaceful resolutions and practice forgiveness, which can lead to healing and stronger relationships.
Why is Lamech's declaration significant in the context of human behavior?
Lamech's declaration is significant because it marks a moment of moral decline in humanity, showcasing how quickly violence can become normalized. It highlights a shift away from valuing life and the dangers of allowing anger and revenge to dictate our actions. This moment serves as a reflection on the human condition and the choices we face in response to pain.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.