Iron in the Book of Genesis

“Prehistoric” Iron

The Archaeological Facts: As early as 3200 BCE, beads made of meteoric iron-nickel were found in the Garza tomb in Egypt; similar objects were also discovered in Turkey, Syria, China, and the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Biblical-Literary Context: The text presents Tubal-Cain as the “father” of craftsmen; it is not necessary that iron be produced in a furnace – even the processing of rare meteoric iron can be perceived as an advanced technology. Significance regarding the contradiction: The verse may refer to the processing of rare meteoric iron, not to regular industry.

The Meaning of the Word “Iron”

The Archaeological Facts: In the Bible, “iron” is used as a collective name for the hardest metal available; already in ancient texts it represents a material more advanced than copper and bronze. Biblical-literary context: The term may have been used as a general term for “hard metal,” not specifically for what we now call Iron from the 12th century BCE. Significance of the contradiction: “Iron” in Genesis does not necessarily have to be identified with iron from the archaeological Iron Age; it may be a broader term.