Genesis 4:21 kjv

And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.

Genesis 4:21 nkjv

His brother's name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.

Genesis 4:21 niv

His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.

Genesis 4:21 esv

His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.

Genesis 4:21 nlt

His brother's name was Jubal, the first of all who play the harp and flute.

Genesis 4 verses

Genesis 4 21 Meaning

Genesis 4:21 states that Jubal was the progenitor, or founder, of those who professionally use the harp and the organ. This verse introduces the origin of instrumental music and the development of this artistic and technological aspect of early human civilization, contrasting with the moral decline evident in the same lineage.

Genesis 4 21 Context

Genesis chapter 4 narrates the descendants of Cain after his banishment. Following the tragic account of Abel's murder and Cain's subsequent curse, humanity's progression continues. The chapter introduces Cain's lineage through Lamech, who boasts of his vengeful violence. Within this line, there is a striking development of various aspects of early civilization and technology. While Cain's descendants are marked by moral degradation (as exemplified by Lamech's polygeny and increased vengeance), they are also responsible for significant advancements. Gen 4:20 introduces Jabal, the founder of nomadic animal husbandry; 4:21 presents Jubal, the father of musical arts; and 4:22 speaks of Tubal-Cain, the pioneer of metallurgy. These developments precede the birth of Seth, the progenitor of the line through which salvation would come, highlighting humanity's inherent capacity for creativity even in a fallen state.

Genesis 4 21 Word analysis

• his brother's name: This phrase immediately links Jubal to Jabal, mentioned in the preceding verse (Gen 4:20), indicating they were siblings, sons of Lamech and Adah. This emphasizes the immediate progression of diverse cultural development within the same family unit.
• Jubal (י וּבָ֑ל, Yūḇāl): The Hebrew name "Jubal" likely relates to the root for "joy" or "stream/flow." This etymology hints at the essence of music—its flowing nature and its capacity to evoke emotion, especially joy. Jubal's existence marks a foundational moment for humanity's aesthetic and creative expressions.
• father (אָב, ʾāḇ): In this context, "father" does not necessarily mean the sole biological progenitor of every subsequent musician. Rather, it signifies an originator, founder, chief, or archetype of a particular skill, craft, or way of life. It identifies Jubal as the seminal figure who developed or established the practice of instrumental music as a distinct art form or profession. This usage parallels "father of lies" in John 8:44 or Jabal being "father of such as dwell in tents."
• of all such as handle: This phrase denotes skill, proficiency, and habitual practice. It indicates a class of people, perhaps a profession or a dedicated group, who mastered and performed music, rather than just occasional or amateur engagement. It implies the establishment of a specialized craft.
• the harp (כִּנֹּֽור, kinnōr): This Hebrew term generally refers to a lyre or stringed instrument. It was a common and important instrument in ancient Israel, later widely associated with David (1 Sam 16:23) and used extensively in temple worship and prophetic settings (Pss 33:2, 1 Chr 25:6). Its early mention here indicates the existence of relatively sophisticated stringed instruments.
• and organ (ע וּגָֽב, ʿūḡāḇ): This Hebrew term refers to a wind instrument, often translated as pipes, flute, or even pan-pipes. Its exact form in ancient times is debated, but it points to the existence of instruments played by breath. The inclusion of both string and wind instruments indicates the earliest forms of comprehensive musical instrumentation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father": This phrase ties Jubal to his brother Jabal, demonstrating how rapidly different facets of culture emerged simultaneously. The term "father" signifies pioneering. Jubal didn't just play instruments; he initiated and defined a profession.
• "of all such as handle the harp and organ": This highlights the establishment of specific types of instruments—string and wind—and emphasizes the mastery and professionalization of music. This wasn't merely casual humming; it was a cultivated skill set performed by a dedicated class, reflecting human ingenuity even within a morally declining society.

Genesis 4 21 Bonus section

The narrative structure of Genesis 4, quickly listing these cultural "fathers" (Jabal, Jubal, Tubal-Cain) before detailing Lamech's depravity and then introducing the righteous line of Seth (Gen 4:25-26), implicitly comments on the human condition. It suggests that while human beings can develop complex societies and sophisticated arts (music, metallurgy, etc.), these achievements, on their own, do not resolve the core problem of sin. True flourishing requires a different foundation, hinted at by the renewed "calling upon the name of the Lord" in Seth's generation. Nonetheless, music, a universal human expression, emerged at humanity's earliest stages, signifying its fundamental place in the human soul and experience, given by God, whether applied to the profane or, later, the sacred.

Genesis 4 21 Commentary

Genesis 4:21 stands as a profound testament to humanity's inherent capacity for creativity and cultural development, even as it emerges from a lineage marred by sin and violence. Jubal's establishment as the "father" of instrumental music underscores that art and technology are integral parts of the human experience, part of the image of God embedded in creation, regardless of spiritual condition. This verse does not imply divine disapproval of music, but rather highlights its early appearance alongside other practical and skilled crafts within the general development of civilization outside the "holy line" that would lead to Noah and ultimately Christ. The ability to create beautiful sounds from fashioned instruments reflects ingenuity, aesthetic sensibility, and complex thought processes. While the context of Cain's lineage reveals growing human depravity (Lamech's boast of vengeance in the following verses being a prime example), it is within this very context that remarkable cultural advancements like music take root. Later in Scripture, music would be rededicated and elevated as a primary form of worship and praise to God, particularly within Israel's tabernacle and temple service. This illustrates a divine principle: abilities and arts that originate in general human creativity can be consecrated and utilized for sacred purposes, transcending their original fallen environment.