20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock.

Other Translations of Genesis 4:20

King James Version

20 And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.

English Standard Version

20 Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.

The Message

20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, the ancestor of all who live in tents and herd cattle.

New King James Version

20 And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.

New Living Translation

20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the first of those who raise livestock and live in tents.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 4:20

Commentary on Genesis 4:19-24

(Read Genesis 4:19-24)

One of Cain's wicked race is the first recorded, as having broken the law of marriage. Hitherto, one man had but one wife at a time; but Lamech took two. Wordly things, are the only things that carnal, wicked people set their hearts upon, and are most clever and industrious about. So it was with this race of Cain. Here was a father of shepherds, and a father of musicians, but not a father of the faithful. Here is one to teach about brass and iron, but none to teach the good knowledge of the Lord: here are devices how to be rich, and how to be mighty, and how to be merry; but nothing of God, of his fear and service. Present things fill the heads of most. Lamech had enemies, whom he had provoked. He draws a comparison betwixt himself and his ancestor Cain; and flatters himself that he is much less criminal. He seems to abuse the patience of God in sparing Cain, into an encouragement to expect that he may sin unpunished.