Lemekh's Monologue

Points of Dispute

These are some of the central points of dispute (נקודות המחלוקת) between the various exegetes:

What is Lemekh's tone in the verses?
- Lemekh is boasting
  - About his past action of murder – Ibn Kaspi, Cassuto.
  - About his ability to murder – J. Herder cited in the Biur and Shadal.
- Lemekh is justifying himself / reassuring his wives – Tanchuma, Bereshit Rabbah, Rashi, R"Y Bekhor Shor, Ramban, Ralbag.
- Lemekh is sincerely regretting his action – R. Saadia, Sforno, HaKetav VeHaKabbalah.
- Lemekh is frustrated with his wives – R. Yosef Kara, Shadal.
Who are the "אִישׁ" and "יֶלֶד"?
- Anonymous people – R. Saadia, J. Herder cited in the Biur and Shadal, Netziv, R. D"Z Hoffmann.
- Kayin and Tuval Kayin – Tanchuma, Rashi #1, Abarbanel, Sforno.
- Hevel – Rashi #2, Ramban, Ralbag, Cassuto
- Lemekh's wives and future kids – HaKetav VeHaKabbalah.
What are "לְפִצְעִי" and "לְחַבֻּרָתִי"?
- Motivation for attack in the past / future – Ibn Kaspi, J. Herder cited in the Biur and Shadal.
- Mode of attack – Ramban, Ralbag, R. D"Z Hoffmann, Cassuto.
- Punishment of Lemekh – Bereshit Rabbah, Abarbanel, Sforno.
- Guilt of Lemekh – Tanchuma, Rashi.
What does "לָכֵן כָּל הֹרֵג קַיִן שִׁבְעָתַיִם יֻקָּם" mean?