**LAMECH** (Hebr. Lemekh, in pause Lämekh). — 1. Sixth in the brief genealogy of Cain and son of Matthusael (Gen. 4, 17-24). In Lamech, the estrangement from God is complete; to sensuality he joins cruelty and untamable pride. He is the first to take two wives, Ada and Sella. His brief song, the first poetic composition according to the law of Hebrew rhythm, breathes ferocity and terrifying self-assurance. He has no need of God; he declares himself ready to kill for a slight injury and to avenge himself far better than God had promised for Cain. A connection is probable between these sentiments and the beginning of metallurgical culture, which was due to Tubalcain, son of Lamech (Gen. 4, 22), who secured for the Cainites supremacy over others.
2. Descendant of Seth and son of Matthusala (Gen. 5, 25-31; 1 Chron. 1, 3; Luke 3, 36-37).
The attempt to identify the two genealogies (Ph. Buttmann, etc.) rests on the flimsiest foundation in the mere identity of the name. The expression (Gen. 5, 29) accompanying the choice of the name Noah shows in Lamech a sentiment quite different from those found in the preceding. F. de Hummelauer believes he can establish from the Samaritan Pentateuch that both Lamechs perished in the Flood.
ICONOGRAPHY. — The Patriarch was represented in the series of painted medallions in S. Croce in Gerusalemme (1123-44); only the legend remains: *La mech vix(it) septingentis septuaginta septem annis*.