Tubal-Cain is explained by Zillah, his mother: "After I had withered away have I obtained him from the Almighty God" (2:24). The intended conclusion here is that "Cain" (given earlier in the idea of "obtaining") was merged with "Tubal", a word seemingly to denote "withering" by contextual speculation. Genesis 4:22 says that Tubal-cain was the "forger of all instruments of bronze and iron" (ESV) or an "instructor of every artificer in brass and iron" (KJV). Although this may mean he was a metalsmith, a comparison with verses 20 and 21 suggests that he may have been the very first artificer in brass and iron. T. C. Mitchell suggests that he "discovered the possibilities of cold forging native copper and meteoric iron." Tubal-cain has even been described as the first chemist. Walter Elwell suggests that his invention of superior weapons may have been the motivation for Lamech's interest in avenging blood. Alternatively, E. E. Kellett suggests that Tubal-cain may have been a miner. Popular culture A fictionalized version of Tubal-cain serves as the primary antagonist in the film Noah'', also depicted as a master metalworker, and a nemesis of Noah. The character's younger version is played by Finn Wittrock and the older version is played by Ray Winstone. Family tree References External links Book of Genesis people Bereshit (parashah) Blacksmiths