Adah
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Adah in the Bible?
Ada appears in Genesis as one of the two wives of Lamech, a descendant of Cain, and is also identified as a Hittite wife of Esau, with whom she bore the son Eliphaz; she is mentioned in Genesis 4:19-23 and Genesis 36:2, 4, 10, 12, 16.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Ada clarifies the complex genealogical structures and intermarriages between the lineages of Cain and Seth, as well as the integration of local Canaanite groups like the Hittites into the patriarchal narratives of Genesis.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Adah reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Adah in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Adah clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Genesis 4:19-23Genesis 36:2
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Adah." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adah/