King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:1 Mean?

Genesis 4:1 in the King James Version says “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Cain: that is...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired”

Genesis 4:1 · KJV

Context

1

And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Cain: that is, Gotten, or, Acquired

2

And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Abel: Heb. Hebel a keeper: Heb. a feeder

3

And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. in process: Heb. at the end of days

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How should this truth about City Building shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. In what ways does this narrative foreshadow or typify aspects of Christ's redemptive work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם1 of 14

“And Adam”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יָדַ֖ע2 of 14

“knew”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת3 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

חַוָּ֣ה4 of 14

“Eve”

H2332

eve (or chavvah), the first woman

אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ5 of 14

“his wife”

H802

a woman

וַתַּ֙הַר֙6 of 14

“and she conceived”

H2029

to be (or become) pregnant, conceive (literally or figuratively)

וַתֵּ֣לֶד7 of 14

“and bare”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אֶת8 of 14
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

קַ֔יִן9 of 14

“Cain”

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

וַתֹּ֕אמֶר10 of 14

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

קָנִ֥יתִי11 of 14

“I have gotten”

H7069

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

אִ֖ישׁ12 of 14

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֶת13 of 14

“from”

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

יְהוָֽה׃14 of 14

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 4:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 4:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 3:12Genesis 3:15

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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