CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Jabal</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/j/jabal.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/genesis/4-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/j/jabal.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Jabal</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jaaziel--a_levite_musician.htm" title="Jaaziel: A Levite Musician">◄</a> Jabal <a href="/topical/naves/j/jabal--a_shepherd.htm" title="Jabal: A Shepherd">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#hit" title="Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary">Hitchcock's</a> • <a href="#smi" title="Smith's Bible Dictionary">Smith's</a> • <a href="#amt" title="American Tract Society Bible Dictionary">ATS</a> • <a href="#isb" title="International Standard Bible Encyclopedia">ISBE</a> • <a href="#eas" title="Easton's Bible Dictionary">Easton's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Jabal is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, specifically in <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a>. He is recognized as a descendant of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. Jabal is the son of Lamech and Adah, making him a part of the seventh generation from Adam. His lineage is significant as it represents the early development of human civilization and culture.<br><br><b>Biblical Reference:</b><br><a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a> states, "And Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock."<br><br><b>Role and Significance:</b><br>Jabal is noted for his contributions to the nomadic lifestyle and animal husbandry. He is described as "the father of those who dwell in tents and raise livestock," indicating his pioneering role in the development of pastoral life. This suggests that Jabal was instrumental in the establishment of a way of life that involved moving with herds and living in temporary dwellings, which was a significant advancement in the early human society.<br><br><b>Cultural Impact:</b><br>Jabal's introduction of tent-dwelling and livestock raising marks a shift from a purely agrarian society to one that includes pastoralism. This development would have had profound implications for the social and economic structures of the time, allowing for greater mobility and the expansion of human settlements into new territories. The skills and knowledge associated with animal husbandry would have been crucial for survival and prosperity, making Jabal's contributions foundational for subsequent generations.<br><br><b>Theological Implications:</b><br>From a theological perspective, Jabal's role as a cultural innovator reflects the biblical theme of human creativity and the mandate to "fill the earth and subdue it" (<a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Genesis 1:28</a>). His life exemplifies the God-given ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments, showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness endowed to humanity by the Creator.<br><br><b>Family Context:</b><br>Jabal's family background is also noteworthy. He is part of the lineage of Cain, which is often associated with the development of various aspects of civilization, including city-building, music, and metallurgy, as seen in the lives of his siblings and relatives. This lineage highlights the complexity of human progress, intertwined with both achievements and moral challenges.<br><br>In summary, Jabal stands as a significant figure in the early chapters of Genesis, representing the dawn of pastoral life and the expansion of human culture. His legacy is one of innovation and adaptation, reflecting the broader narrative of human development as depicted in the Scriptures.<a name="hit" id="hit"></a><div class="vheading2">Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Jabal</span><p>which glides away<a name="smi" id="smi"></a><div class="vheading2">Smith's Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Jabal</span><p>(<i>stream</i>), the son of Lamech and Adah, (<a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a>) and brother of Jubal. He is described as the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle.<a name="amt" id="amt"></a><div class="vheading2">ATS Bible Dictionary</div><span class="encheading">Jabal</span><p>Son of Lamech and Adah, and a descendant of Cain. He is supposed to have been the first to adopt the nomadic mode of life, still practiced in Arabia and Tartary, and to have invented portable tents, perhaps of skins, <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a> And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle. </p><a name="eas" id="eas"></a><div class="vheading2">Easton's Bible Dictionary</div>A stream, a descendant of Cain, and brother of Jubal; "the father of such as dwell in tents and have cattle" (<a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a>). This description indicates that he led a wandering life. <a name="isb" id="isb"></a><div class="vheading2">International Standard Bible Encyclopedia</div><span class="encheading">JABAL</span><p>ja'-bal (yabhal, meaning uncertain): In <a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a>, a son of Lamech by Adah. He is called `the father of those who dwell in tents and (with) herds.' So Gunkel, Gen3, 52, who says that the corresponding word in Arabic means "the herdsman who tends the camels." Skinner, Genesis, 120, says that both Jabal and Jubal suggest yobhel, which in Phoenician and Hebrew "means primarily `ram,' then `ram's horn' as a musical instrument, and finally `joyous music' (in the designation of the year of Jubilee)." See also Skinner, Genesis, 103, on the supposed connection in meaning with Abel.<br><br>David Francis Roberts<p><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2989.htm"><span class="l">2989. Yabal -- a son of Lamech</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2988, 2989. Yabal. 2990 . a son of Lamech. Transliteration: Yabal Phonetic<br> Spelling: (yaw-bawl') Short Definition: <b>Jabal</b>. <b>...</b> <b>Jabal</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2989.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/theophilus/theophilus_to_autolycus/chapter_xxx_cains_family_and_their.htm"><span class="l">Cain's Family and their Inventions.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> At that time there was made a beginning of polygamy, and also of music.<br> For Lamech had three sons: <b>Jabal</b>, Jubal, Tubal. And <b>Jabal</b> <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxx cains family and their.htm</font><p><a href="/library/cassian/the_works_of_john_cassian_/chapter_xxi_the_answer_to.htm"><span class="l">The Answer to the Question Raised.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> as follows: "Cain begat Enoch, Enoch begat Cainan, Cainan begat Mahalaleel, Mahalaleel<br> begat Methuselah, Methuselah begat Lamech, Lamech begat <b>Jabal</b> and Jubal <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxi the answer to.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/city_of_god/chapter_17_of_the_two_fathers.htm"><span class="l">Of the Two Fathers and Leaders who Sprang from one Progenitor.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> name of the other Zillah. And Adah bare <b>Jabal</b>: he was the father of the<br> shepherds that dwell in tents. And his brother's name was <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of the two fathers.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_2_concerning_the_posterity.htm"><span class="l">Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> wives, Silla and Ada. Of those children by Ada, one was <b>Jabal</b>: he erected<br> tents, and loved the life of a shepherd. But Jubal, who <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the posterity.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leupold/exposition_of_genesis_volume_1/chapter_iv.htm"><span class="l">Chapter iv</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Adam Adam Cain Seth Enoch Enosh Irad Kenan Mehujael Mahalalel Methushael Jared Lamech<br> Enoch <b>Jabal</b>-Jubal-Tubal Cain Methuselah Lamech Noah Shem-Ham-Japheth. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm</font><p><a href="/library/wells/bible_stories_and_religious_classics/the_life_of_adam.htm"><span class="l">The Life of Adam</span></a> <br><b>...</b> This Lameth took two wives, Adah and Zilla; of Adah he gat <b>Jabal</b> which found first<br> the craft to make folds for shepherds and to change their pasture, and <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/an_exposition_on_the_first.htm"><span class="l">An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of <b>...</b></span></a> <br>The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/j/jabal.htm"><span class="l"><b>Jabal</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Standard Bible Encyclopedia. <b>JABAL</b>. ja'-bal (yabhal, meaning uncertain): In Genesis<br> 4:20, a son of Lamech by Adah. <b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Jabal</b> (1 Occurrence) <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jabal.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/a/adah.htm"><span class="l">Adah (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Easton's Bible Dictionary Ornament. (1.) The first of Lamech's two wives,<br> and the mother of <b>Jabal</b> and Jubal (Genesis 4:19, 20, 23). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/a/adah.htm - 10k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm"><span class="l">Cain (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Cain takes up his abode in the land of Nod ("wandering"), and there builds a city<br> and becomes the ancestor of a line which includes <b>Jabal</b>, forefather of tent <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/cain.htm - 23k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jabbok.htm"><span class="l">Jabbok (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jabbok.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/ja-a'ziel.htm"><span class="l">Ja-a'ziel (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br>Ja-a'ziel. Jaaziel, Ja-a'ziel. <b>Jabal</b> . Multi-Version Concordance Ja-a'ziel<br> (1 Occurrence). <b>...</b> (See RSV). Jaaziel, Ja-a'ziel. <b>Jabal</b> . Reference Bible. <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/ja-a'ziel.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/jubal.htm"><span class="l">Jubal (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> JUBAL. joo'-bal (yubhal; for meaning see <b>JABAL</b>): Son of Lamech by Adah, and inventor<br> of musical instruments (Genesis 4:21). Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/jubal.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/livestock.htm"><span class="l">Livestock (124 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (WEB NIV). Genesis 4:20 Adah gave birth to <b>Jabal</b>, who was the father of<br> those who dwell in tents and have livestock. (WEB NAS NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/livestock.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/i/inhabiting.htm"><span class="l">Inhabiting (23 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> YLT). Genesis 4:20 And Adah beareth <b>Jabal</b>, he hath been father of those<br> inhabiting tents and purchased possessions; (YLT). Genesis <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/i/inhabiting.htm - 13k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/father.htm"><span class="l">Father (11359 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> etc.). (3) The author or beginner of anything is also so called; eg, <b>Jabal</b><br> and Jubal (Genesis 4:20, 21; Comp. Job 38:28). Applied <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/father.htm - 21k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Tubal-Cain.html">Who was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Adah-in-the-Bible.html">Who was Adah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/mount-Gerizim.html">What is the significance of Mount Gerizim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Jabal (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/4-20.htm">Genesis 4:20</a></span><br />Adah gave birth to <span class="boldtext">Jabal</span>, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.<br /><span class="source">(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/j/jabal.htm">Jabal</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jabal--a_shepherd.htm">Jabal: A Shepherd</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/adah.htm">Adah (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain (18 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jabbok.htm">Jabbok (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/ja-a'ziel.htm">Ja-a'ziel (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/j/jubal.htm">Jubal (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/livestock.htm">Livestock (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/i/inhabiting.htm">Inhabiting (23 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/father.htm">Father (11359 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tubalcain.htm">Tubalcain (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tents.htm">Tents (284 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tubal-cain.htm">Tubal-cain (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/purchased.htm">Purchased (24 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/beareth.htm">Beareth (108 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/breed.htm">Breed (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel (22 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/armenia.htm">Armenia (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/possessions.htm">Possessions (84 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bare.htm">Bare (250 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/p/patriarchs.htm">Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/antediluvian.htm">Antediluvian</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/bore.htm">Bore (221 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dwell.htm">Dwell (474 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/cattle.htm">Cattle (277 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/raise.htm">Raise (175 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/g/genealogy.htm">Genealogy (29 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/b/birth.htm">Birth (357 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jaaziel--a_levite_musician.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Jaaziel: A Levite Musician"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Jaaziel: A Levite Musician" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/naves/j/jabal--a_shepherd.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Jabal: A Shepherd"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Jabal: A Shepherd" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>