Book of Genesis - Chapter 4 - Verse 20

The verse "And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle" from the book of Genesis is a genealogical record of the descendants of Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve. In this verse, Adah, one of the wives of Lamech, gives birth to Jabal, who is described as the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. This indicates that Jabal was a pioneer in the practice of animal husbandry and nomadic lifestyle. The mention of dwelling in tents suggests a pastoral way of life, where people move from place to place to find suitable grazing grounds for their cattle. The verse showcases the diversity of lifestyles and occupations that existed among the early generations of humanity, providing insight into the development of civilization and human ingenuity in adapting to different environments.

One common theological interpretation of the verse "And Adah bore Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle" in Genesis 4:20 is that it highlights the importance of agriculture and animal husbandry in the early society created by Cain's descendants. The mention of Jabal as the father of those who dwell in tents and raise cattle is seen as a reference to the development of early agricultural practices and nomadic lifestyles. This verse is often used to emphasize the significance of these activities in shaping human civilization and providing for the needs of communities. The word "tent" in this verse can also be translated as "livestock enclosures," indicating a strong connection between pastoralism and settlement in ancient societies. Overall, this verse is understood as highlighting the foundational role of agriculture and livestock management in the development of human societies.