Genesis 4:19

Lamech The seventh of the Cainite line has three sons, as Noah, the tenth of the Sethite line, has three sons.

two wives Lamech is the first recorded instance of polygamy. The custom, prevalent in patriarchal times and in the days of the kings (e.g. David, Solomon), was recognized in the Law of the Pentateuch and placed under restrictions, Deuteronomy 21:13-23; Leviticus 18:6-20.

On the ideal of monogamy, from which Israel fell far short, see note on Genesis 2:24. Lamech, the Cainite, is its first transgressor.

Adah The name appears in Genesis 36:2 as that of one of Esau's wives. If of Hebrew origin, possibly connected with the word meaning "adornment," but also possibly derived from a root = "brightness," found in Arabic and Assyrian, and, if so, may mean "the dawn."

Zillah Probably from the Heb. ṣêl= "shade" or "shadows," implying "comfort" and "coolness" in the glare of a day in the desert.