King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:17 Mean?

Genesis 4:17 in the King James Version says “And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after... — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Enoch: Heb. Chanoch

Genesis 4:17 · KJV


Context

15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

16

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

17

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Enoch: Heb. Chanoch

18

And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. Lamech: Heb. Lemech

19

And Lamech took unto him two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the nam... 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. How does understanding this verse shape our doctrine of humanity, sin, or salvation?
  2. How should this truth about City Building shape our daily decisions and priorities?
  3. How does this passage point forward to Christ and the gospel of redemption?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיֵּ֤דַע1 of 17

knew

H3045

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

קַ֙יִן֙2 of 17

And Cain

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

אֶת3 of 17
H853

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

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ4 of 17

his wife

H802

a woman

וַתַּ֖הַר5 of 17

and she conceived

H2029

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

וַתֵּ֣לֶד6 of 17

and bare

H3205

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

אֶת7 of 17
H853

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

חֲנֽוֹךְ׃8 of 17

Enoch

H2585

chanok, an antediluvian patriach

וַֽיְהִי֙9 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בֹּ֣נֶה10 of 17

and he builded

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

הָעִ֔יר11 of 17

a city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּקְרָא֙12 of 17

and called

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

כְּשֵׁ֖ם13 of 17

after the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

הָעִ֔יר14 of 17

a city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

כְּשֵׁ֖ם15 of 17

after the name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

בְּנ֥וֹ16 of 17

of his son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חֲנֽוֹךְ׃17 of 17

Enoch

H2585

chanok, an antediluvian patriach


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 4:17 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 4:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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