לֶמֶךְ
Lemek, the name of two antediluvian patriarchs
Definition
Lemek (Lamech) is the name of two distinct antediluvian patriarchs in Genesis. The first Lemek is a descendant of Cain, noted for his polygamy (Genesis 4:19) and his vengeful 'Song of the Sword' to his wives (Genesis 4:23-24). The second Lemek is a descendant of Seth, the father of Noah, who prophesied that his son would bring comfort from the Lord's curse on the ground (Genesis 5:28-29). These two figures represent contrasting lineages: one of human violence and one of hope leading to the flood narrative.
Biblical Usage
The name Lemek appears exclusively in Genesis, specifically in chapters 4 and 5, which detail the genealogies before the flood. It is used ten times, always as a proper name. The usage clearly distinguishes two individuals by their lineage and context: one in the line of Cain (Genesis 4:18-24) and one in the line of Seth (Genesis 5:25-31). The pattern highlights the parallel development of two human civilizations.
Etymology
The etymology of לֶמֶךְ (Lemek) is uncertain. It likely derives from an unused Hebrew root, possibly related to a word meaning 'strong youth' or 'powerful.' Some scholars connect it to Akkadian or South Arabian cognates implying a meaning related to 'making low' or 'humiliation,' but this remains speculative. The name's meaning in the biblical text is primarily carried by the narrative context of its bearers.
Semantic Range
The two figures named Lemek are theologically significant as culminating representatives of the two primary human lines before the Flood. Cain's descendant Lemek embodies the escalation of violence and pride in human culture apart from God (Genesis 4:23-24). Seth's descendant Lemek points toward God's redemptive plan through his prophecy about Noah, introducing a theme of hope and comfort amidst judgment (Genesis 5:29). Their juxtaposition illustrates the biblical theme of the choice between a path of human autonomy and a path of faith awaiting God's deliverance.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, genealogies established identity, heritage, and legitimacy. The detailed recording of two men with the same name in parallel lineages would serve to contrast their legacies. Lemek's polygamy (Genesis 4:19) and boastful song reflect cultural developments of power and vengeance. His Sethite counterpart's hopeful naming of Noah reflects a cultural and familial longing for relief from the harsh realities of agricultural life under the divine curse (Genesis 3:17-19).
No direct synonyms as a proper name. Theologically, the figures contrast with: נֹחַ (Noach, H5146) — his son, who brings comfort; קַיִן (Qayin, H7014) — the ancestor of the first Lemek; שֵׁת (Sheth, H8352) — the ancestor of the second Lemek.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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