Genesis 4:21
וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יוּבָ֑ל ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י כָּל־תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנֹּ֖ור וְעוּגָֽב׃
Grammatical Focus: The Participial Form תֹּפֵ֥שׂ
The word תֹּפֵ֥שׂ is a masculine singular participle from the root ת־פ־שׂ, meaning “to grasp,” “to handle,” or “to wield.” In this context, it describes someone who plays or handles musical instruments. The participle in Biblical Hebrew functions similarly to an adjective or a verbal noun and can describe an ongoing action or a characteristic identity. Thus, תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנֹּ֖ור וְעוּגָֽב does not merely mean “one who touched instruments,” but someone characterized by his activity — a musician or artisan of sound.
Understanding יוּבָ֑ל: A Case of Naming and Meaning
יוּבָ֑ל is a proper noun likely related to the root י־ב־ל, meaning “to bring” or “to lead.” In later Biblical Hebrew, this root also relates to streams and flow (יֺבֵל = “stream” or “ram’s horn” in Jubilee). As a name, יוּבָ֑ל evokes the idea of one who leads or inspires — fitting for the progenitor of musicians. The form is a Hophal (passive) pattern, meaning “he was brought” or “was led,” possibly suggesting divine inspiration or destiny.
ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י: Construct Chains and Apposition
The phrase ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י (“he was the father of…”) employs a verbless clause structure where הוּא (he) is the subject and הָיָה (was) is the verb. The noun אֲבִי (construct form of אָב, “father”) introduces a construct chain, linking directly to what follows: כָּל־תֹּפֵשׂ כִּנּוֹר וְעוּגָב — “all who handle harp and flute.” This structure establishes lineage, not merely familial, but vocational and cultural: Yuval is portrayed as the cultural ancestor of musicians.
Lexical Insights: כִּנֹּ֖ור and עוּגָֽב
| Hebrew Word | Transliteration | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| כִּנּוֹר | kinnor | lyre or harp | Associated with David; stringed instrument |
| עוּגָב | ʿugav | pipe or flute | Wind instrument; early organ-like tool |
Syntax Spotlight: כָּל־תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנֹּ֖ור וְעוּגָֽב
This phrase is an example of construct-noun + participle + object syntax. כָּל (“all”) governs the participle תֹּפֵ֥שׂ, which then governs its objects כִּנֹּ֖ור וְעוּגָֽב. The definite meaning of the phrase is clear from context, even though there is no definite article: “all who play the harp and flute.” The parallel structure enhances the poetic rhythm and balances two classes of instruments: string and wind.
The Tense That Tells a Legacy
Genesis 4:21 subtly encodes cultural transmission in its grammar. Through the participle תֹּפֵ֥שׂ, the construct phrase אֲבִ֕י כָּל־תֹּפֵ֥שׂ, and the evocative name יוּבָ֑ל, we see the birth of civilization’s musical tradition. Rather than merely historical data, the grammar frames this as vocation, identity, and influence — carried forward not only biologically, but through action and artistry. Hebrew grammar becomes the score of a cultural symphony.
