took
The Hebrew word for "took" (לָקַח) implies an active choice or decision. In the context of marriage, it suggests a deliberate action by Lamech to establish a family structure that deviates from the monogamous union instituted by God in Genesis 2:24. This act of taking two wives is a significant departure from the divine ideal and reflects the increasing moral corruption in the line of Cain.

two wives
The phrase "two wives" introduces the concept of polygamy, which is the practice of having more than one wife. This is the first mention of polygamy in the Bible, and it is presented without explicit condemnation or approval. However, the context and subsequent narrative suggest that this deviation from monogamy leads to further complications and moral issues. The introduction of polygamy by Lamech can be seen as a reflection of humanity's growing rebellion against God's original design for marriage.

one named Adah
Adah, whose name in Hebrew (עָדָה) means "ornament" or "beauty," is the first wife mentioned. Her name may suggest that she was valued for her physical appearance or her role in enhancing Lamech's status. The mention of her name indicates her significance in the narrative, as she becomes the mother of Jabal and Jubal, who are credited with significant cultural advancements.

and the other Zillah
Zillah, the second wife, has a name in Hebrew (צִלָּה) that means "shade" or "protection." This name could imply a role of comfort or support within the family structure. Zillah is the mother of Tubal-Cain, who is noted for his contributions to metallurgy. The mention of both wives by name highlights their importance in the genealogy and the cultural developments attributed to their offspring.

The son of Zillah attained to higher distinction. He is the first "sharpener (or hammerer) of every instrument of copper and iron." Copper is constantly found cropping up in a comparatively pure state upon the surface of the ground, and was the first metal made use of by man. It is comparatively soft, and is easily beaten to an edge; but it was long before men learned the art of mixing with it an alloy of tin, and so producing the far harder substance, bronze. The alloy to which we give the name of brass was absolutely unknown to the ancients. The discovery of iron marks a far greater advance in metallurgy, as the ore has to be smelted, and the implement produced is more precious. The Greeks in the time of Homer seem to have known it only as a rarity imported from the north; and Rawlinson (Anc. Monarchies, i. 167) mentions that in Mesopotamia, while silver was the metal current in traffic, iron was so rare as to be regarded as something very precious. The name of this hero is "Tubal-cain." In Ezekiel 27:13, Tubal brings copper to the mart of Tyre, and in Persian the word means copper. Cain is a distinct name from that of Adam's firstborn, and means, in most Semitic languages, smith; thus Tubal-cain probably signifies coppersmith.

The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.--The same as Naomi (Ruth 1:2), and meaning beauty, loveliness. As women are not mentioned in the genealogies, and as no history follows of this personage, her name must be given as an indication that a great advance had been made, not only in the arts, but also in the elegancies of life. Women could not have been mere drudges and household slaves, nor men coarse and boorish, when Naamah's beauty was so highly appreciated. The Rabbins have turned her into a demon, and given free play to their imagination in the stories they have invented concerning her. . . .