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Irad
A descendant of Cain in the line before Lamech.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 2
Family & lineage
ScholarlyIrad belongs to the Cainite genealogy of Genesis 4, which runs closely parallel to the Sethite line of Genesis 5 (Irad/Jared, Mehujael/Mahalalel, Methushael/Methuselah, Lamech/Lamech). Documentary and comparative scholars read this doubling as two versions of a single antediluvian name-list rather than independent lineages.
Source-critical observation on the parallel Cainite and Sethite genealogies; standard in critical commentaries on Genesis.
Name & titles
ScholarlySome scholars have proposed that the name Irad preserves a memory of Eridu, the ancient Sumerian city regarded in Mesopotamian tradition as the first city, noting that the following verse credits Cain's line with city-building. This is a comparative hypothesis, not established fact, and remains debated.
Onomastic and comparative proposal linking Irad to Sumerian Eridu; discussed in scholarship on the Cainite genealogy. Speculative.
Where in scripture
GenesisTo Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.
Genesis 4:18 — Son of Enoch
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, a public-domain translation.