יָבָל (ya.val)
ya.val
Jabal
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Yaval is a proper name found only once in the Hebrew Bible, at Genesis 4:20. He appears as the son of Lamech and Adah, and the brother of Jubal, Tubal-cain, and Naamah. The name itself is traditionally interpreted to mean "stream of water," though its primary significance lies not in etymology but in his role within the genealogy.
Scripture identifies Yaval as the ancestor or patriarch of those who dwell in tents and keep livestock. This description marks him as a figure associated with the origins of pastoral life, distinguishing his lineage’s contribution to early human society from the artistic innovations of his brother Jubal and the metalworking skills of Tubal-cain. His mention serves to catalog the diverse cultural developments present before the Flood.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Genesis 4:20 introduces Jabal as the ancestor of tent-dwellers and livestock keepers. This brief mention highlights how God values practical skills that sustain life. In a world often focused on grand achievements, this verse reminds us that tending to animals and providing shelter are meaningful contributions to human society.
For your faith journey, Jabal’s story encourages appreciation for the ordinary work of daily provision. Whether you manage resources, care for others, or maintain a home, these acts reflect God’s design for stewardship. His lineage shows that diverse gifts, from pastoral care to artistic expression, are part of a broader tapestry of human culture.
Reflecting on Jabal can bring peace to those engaged in similar vocations. It affirms that faithful labor, even when quiet or unnoticed, holds eternal significance. May you find encouragement in knowing that your daily efforts contribute to the well-being of others and honor the Creator’s gift of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Jabal1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָבָ֑ל1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:20
Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.
This verse identifies Jabal as the father of tent-dwellers with livestock, marking him as a patriarch of pastoral life.