“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.”
This verse is part of the account of Cain, who was the eldest son of Adam and Eve. After Cain had killed his brother Abel out of jealousy, God pronounced a curse upon him, making him a wanderer on the earth. Let’s explore the key elements of this verse and its significance within the broader context of Genesis.
Cain’s Wife:The Bible does not explicitly mention where Cain’s wife came from. However, it is important to note that Adam and Eve were the first human beings created by God, and they were commanded to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28). This indicates that there were likely other children born to Adam and Eve beyond Cain, Abel, and Seth, who are explicitly mentioned. Cain could have married one of his sisters or another close relative.
Conception and Birth of Enoch:After Cain knew his wife (meaning they had sexual relations), she conceived and gave birth to a son named Enoch. This event marks the continuation of humanity after the tragic incident of Abel’s murder. It reflects God’s faithfulness to fulfill His command to multiply and replenish the earth despite the presence of sin.
Building a City:In addition to fathering a son, Cain also built a city and named it after his son Enoch. This action indicates the development of civilization, with the establishment of settlements and the progression of human society. It is worth noting that this city was likely separate from the godly line of Seth, who later became the ancestor of Noah and ultimately the lineage leading to Jesus Christ.
The story of Cain’s descendants is further detailed in Genesis 4:18-24, where the names and occupations of some of his descendants are mentioned. The focus shifts to Lamech, a descendant of Cain, who introduces polygamy and displays a violent and vengeful attitude. This passage serves as a contrast between the godly line of Seth and the ungodly line of Cain, highlighting the consequences of sin and the choices individuals make.
Overall, Genesis 4:17 reveals the progression of human history and the continuation of humanity through Cain’s descendants. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and mercy, even in the midst of sin and its consequences. It also emphasizes the importance of individual choices and their long-term effects.
