עִירָד (i.rad)
i.rad
Irad
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Irad appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, recorded in Genesis 4:18 as part of the genealogy tracing Cain’s lineage. He is identified as the son of Enoch and the father of Mehujael, serving as a link between these two generations in the pre-flood family tree.
Lexical sources suggest the name means "fleet" or "swift," a meaning that contrasts with the narrative context of Cain’s line, which is often associated with settlement and building rather than speed. This single mention highlights the continuity of the family line through three generations before the flood, preserving a record of those who lived in the early chapters of Genesis.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Irad appears only once in Scripture, nestled within the genealogy of Cain in Genesis 4:18. While often overlooked, this brief mention serves as a vital thread connecting generations. It reminds us that even in early human history, God preserved records of family lines, ensuring that no life was entirely forgotten.
Though Irad himself is not described doing anything specific, his existence highlights the continuity of life before the flood. This single verse assures us that God’s sovereignty extends over every generation, maintaining order and memory even in times far removed from the present day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ Irad1×
- Irad1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עִירָ֔ד1×
- וְ/עִירָ֕ד1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:18
Irad was born to Enoch. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.
This is the sole occurrence of Irad, establishing him as the son of Enoch and father of Mehujael in Cain's lineage.