Son of Lamech; "the father of all such as handle the harp and pipe" (Gen. iv. 19-21, R. V.); that is, he was the "father" or the first of the class of musicians, the founder of music, the inventor of the "kinnor" or lyre and ofthe "'ugab" or reed-pipe. It is noteworthy that though the three names "Jabal," "Jubal," and "Tubal" may be derived from the same root ( = "to lead" or "bring forth," "to be fruitful"), the name "Jubal" suggests likewise ("the ram's horn"), and hence "music."
Categories: [Jewish encyclopedia 1906]