Genesis 4:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Cain {H7014} knew {H3045} his wife {H802}; and she conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} Enoch {H2585}: and he builded {H1129} a city {H5892}, and called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the city {H5892}, after the name {H8034} of his son {H1121}, Enoch {H2585}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Kayin had sexual relations with his wife; she conceived and gave birth to Hanokh. Kayin built a city and named the city after his son Hanokh.

Berean Standard Bible

And Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:17 records Cain's actions immediately following his banishment: his union with his wife, the birth of their son Enoch, and Cain's subsequent act of building the first recorded city, which he named after his son. This verse highlights the continuation of human life and the unfolding of God's creational mandate despite the profound disruption of sin, while simultaneously portraying Cain's attempt to establish a self-sufficient existence and a lasting legacy apart from God's direct presence and the terms of his divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides a rapid transition from the tragic events of fratricide and divine judgment to the surprising continuation of human life and the emergence of civilization. It immediately follows Cain's curse and banishment in [Genesis 4:11-16](/genesis/4-11-16 "Cain's Curse and Banishment") for the murder of his brother Abel. Having been driven "from the face of the earth" and "from the Lord's presence" (as stated in [Genesis 4:16](/genesis/4-16 "Cain's Departure from God's Presence")), Cain's subsequent actions reveal his response to this judgment. The narrative swiftly moves from the severity of sin to the resilience of humanity and the enduring power of God's original command to [be fruitful and multiply](/genesis/1-28 "God's Mandate to Be Fruitful and Multiply"). The mention of Cain's wife also implicitly confirms the rapid multiplication of Adam and Eve's unnamed children, providing partners for the early generations, as later indicated in [Genesis 5:4](/genesis/5-4 "Adam's Other Sons and Daughters").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the earliest post-Fall world, human society would have been highly rudimentary, likely nomadic or semi-nomadic, focused on survival, agriculture, and animal husbandry. The concept of a "city" in this context would not imply a sprawling metropolis but rather a fortified settlement, a permanent dwelling place that offered a degree of security and community. For a "fugitive and a wanderer" like Cain (as cursed in [Genesis 4:12](/genesis/4-12 "Cain's Curse as a Wanderer")), building a city represents a significant act of defiance against his curse and an attempt to establish stability and protection through human ingenuity rather than divine provision. This act also reflects the nascent stages of human culture developing independently of direct divine fellowship, laying the groundwork for later human endeavors that often sought self-reliance and glory.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:17 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the early chapters of Genesis. It underscores the **persistence of life and God's creational mandate** even in the face of profound sin. It highlights **humanity's propensity for self-reliance and the establishment of culture apart from God**, as Cain seeks to create his own security and legacy rather than embracing the terms of his banishment or seeking reconciliation with God. This act also subtly introduces the **"two ways" or "two cities" motif**, contrasting the lineage of Cain (focused on earthly achievements and self-sufficiency) with the later lineage of Seth (from which the line of faith and eventually the Messiah would come, as seen in [Genesis 5](/genesis/5 "The Genealogy from Adam to Noah")). Cain's city-building is a foundational moment in the biblical narrative illustrating the development of human civilization, often driven by a desire for security and significance independent of divine authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 4:17 presents a stark shift in the narrative, moving from the raw tragedy of fratricide and divine judgment to the surprising development of human civilization. The verse details Cain's immediate actions following his banishment, revealing both the continuation of humanity and the nascent stages of human culture.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) This primitive root signifies "to know," but in this context, it is a common biblical euphemism for sexual intimacy. It implies a deep, personal, and experiential knowledge, leading to the procreative act. Here, it underscores the continuation of the human lineage and the fulfillment of God's original command to be fruitful, even in the line of a murderer.
* **builded (Hebrew, _bânâh'_):** (H1129) This primitive root means "to build," both literally and figuratively. In this verse, it refers to the physical construction of a city. However, it also carries the figurative sense of establishing or setting up, indicating Cain's attempt to establish a permanent dwelling, a community, and a legacy for himself and his lineage, perhaps in defiance of his curse to be a "fugitive and a wanderer."
* **city (Hebrew, _ʻîyr'_):** (H5892) Derived from a root meaning "to wake" or "to watch," this word refers to a guarded place or a fortified settlement. The building of a "city" by Cain signifies the beginning of urban life and communal organization. It represents a human-made attempt at security, stability, and protection, contrasting sharply with the nomadic existence implied by Cain's curse and highlighting humanity's drive to create its own order and defense mechanisms.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Cain knew his wife":** This phrase, a standard biblical idiom for sexual intercourse, signifies the procreative act. It immediately follows Cain's banishment, emphasizing that despite the profound disruption of sin and judgment, the human race continues to multiply according to God's original creational mandate. It also implies the existence of other unnamed children of Adam and Eve who could serve as partners in the earliest generations.
* **"and she conceived, and bare Enoch":** This clause describes the direct result of their union: the conception and birth of Cain's son, Enoch. The naming of the son "Enoch" (meaning "initiated" or "dedicated") is significant, as it is the first named descendant in Cain's line, setting the stage for the subsequent genealogy in [Genesis 4:17-24](/genesis/4-17-24 "The Line of Cain").
* **"and he builded a city":** This is a pivotal statement, marking the first recorded instance of urban development in biblical history. Having been cursed to be a "fugitive and a wanderer," Cain's decision to build a permanent settlement suggests an attempt to defy or mitigate the terms of his punishment. A city represents stability, security, and communal organization—precisely what a wanderer lacks. It is an act of human initiative to create a world of their own making, perhaps to find solace and protection from the very world from which he was alienated, and from the potential vengeance of others, as he feared in [Genesis 4:14](/genesis/4-14 "Cain's Fear of Retribution").
* **"and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch":** The naming of the city after his son reflects a strong desire for a lasting legacy and an attempt to immortalize his name and lineage through a physical monument. This act is a profound expression of human ambition and self-reliance, distinct from faith-driven acts of later patriarchs who sought a city "whose builder and maker is God" (as described in [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Abraham's Hope for a City Built by God")). This naming highlights Cain's focus on earthly achievements and the establishment of a human-centered domain.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:17 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Irony** is evident in Cain, cursed to be a "fugitive and a wanderer," immediately building a permanent city, seemingly in defiance of his divine judgment. This act of building a fixed dwelling place highlights his attempt to establish security and control over his destiny, rather than submitting to the consequences of his sin. **Symbolism** is powerfully at play, with the city itself symbolizing human self-reliance, a quest for security apart from God, and the establishment of human culture independent of divine fellowship. The naming of the city "Enoch" (meaning "initiated" or "dedicated") after his son, by a man who has just committed murder, is also deeply symbolic of a human attempt to create a legacy and significance on their own terms. Furthermore, this verse serves as **foreshadowing**, prefiguring later biblical narratives where humanity attempts to achieve self-glory and security through monumental human endeavors, most notably the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-1-9 "The Story of the Tower of Babel"), which also aimed to make a name for humanity and reach the heavens. This early act of city-building by Cain sets the stage for the recurring biblical motif of the "city of man" versus the "city of God."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 4:17 provides a foundational theological insight into the human condition post-Fall. Despite the introduction of sin and murder, God's original command for humanity to be fruitful and multiply continues to unfold, demonstrating His sovereign plan for creation's continuation. However, Cain's response to his judgment—building a city and seeking a legacy—reveals humanity's innate drive for self-sufficiency and security apart from God. This act initiates a recurring biblical theme where human ambition and earthly achievements are contrasted with a life lived in humble dependence on God. It lays the groundwork for the motif of two distinct "cities" or "kingdoms" throughout scripture: one built by human hands and ambition, often characterized by pride and rebellion, and the other founded by God, characterized by faith and divine promise.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "God's Command to Be Fruitful and Multiply")
* [Genesis 11:4](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel and Human Self-Glorification")
* [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Abraham's Faith in a City with Foundations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 4:17 challenges us to deeply examine the motivations behind our own achievements, aspirations, and the structures we build in our lives. While building, creating, and establishing legacies are inherent human capacities given by God, Cain's example serves as a potent warning against seeking ultimate security, significance, or lasting identity in human endeavors alone, especially when these are driven by a desire to establish a life independent of God's presence, guidance, or provision. We are called to consider whether our efforts are aimed at building our own kingdoms or contributing to God's kingdom. True and lasting security, significance, and belonging are found not in what we accumulate or construct, but in our relationship with the One who is the ultimate Builder and Sustainer of all things, the one who provides the only true and eternal foundation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates your desire for security, stability, or a lasting legacy in your life?**
* **In what ways might you, like Cain, be tempted to build a life or seek achievements that are independent of God's presence or provision?**
* **How do your daily efforts and long-term aspirations reflect a reliance on your own abilities versus a trust in God's sovereign plan and grace?**

### FAQ
**How did Cain find a wife if only Adam, Eve, and their sons are mentioned?**

Answer: The Bible's early genealogies in Genesis often focus on key figures and specific lineages, not every individual born. [Genesis 5:4](/genesis/5-4 "Adam's Other Sons and Daughters") explicitly states that after bearing Cain and Abel, Adam "had other sons and daughters." This implies that Adam and Eve had many children over their long lifespans, allowing for intermarriage among siblings in the earliest generations. This was a biological necessity for the rapid multiplication of humanity before the divine prohibition against such unions was given much later in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 18:9](/leviticus/18-9 "Prohibition Against Incestuous Relations")).

**What is the significance of Cain building the first city?**

Answer: Cain's act of building the first recorded city marks a crucial turning point in human history and theological development. It signifies the beginning of urban civilization, collective human endeavor, and the establishment of permanent settlements. Theologically, it represents humanity's attempt to establish security, stability, and a legacy through its own efforts, perhaps as a direct response to God's judgment and Cain's banishment as a "fugitive and a wanderer." It contrasts sharply with a life lived in direct fellowship and dependence on God, highlighting a theme of human self-sufficiency and the development of culture apart from divine guidance that recurs throughout biblical history, culminating in the prideful ambition of the [Tower of Babel](/genesis/11-4 "The Tower of Babel and Human Pride").

**Is this Enoch the same Enoch who 'walked with God' later in Genesis?**

Answer: No, this Enoch, the son of Cain, is distinct from the Enoch mentioned in [Genesis 5:24](/genesis/5-24 "Enoch Who Walked with God"), who was a descendant of Seth. The Enoch of Seth's line "walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away," highlighting a life of profound faith and divine favor. The naming coincidence underscores the divergent paths and spiritual trajectories of Cain's lineage (focused on earthly achievements and self-reliance) and Seth's lineage (from which the line of faith, leading to Noah and eventually Christ, would come).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 4:17 does not directly prophesy Christ, it profoundly illuminates the human condition and the need for redemption that Christ alone fulfills. Cain's attempt to build his own city and secure his own legacy apart from God's presence highlights humanity's innate drive for self-salvation and self-sufficiency—a drive that is ultimately futile and leads away from true life. In stark contrast to Cain's earthly city, Christ came to establish a spiritual "city" and a kingdom "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "Jesus' Kingdom Is Not of This World")). He is the true Builder of the New Jerusalem, the Church, a community founded not on human ambition or earthly security, but on His atoning sacrifice and the [promise of eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 on Eternal Life Through Faith"). Christ offers a security, belonging, and an eternal legacy that far transcends any earthly city Cain could construct, inviting us to seek a [heavenly country](/hebrews/11-16 "Believers Seek a Heavenly Country") and to have our citizenship in heaven ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Our Citizenship in Heaven")). His work provides the only true foundation for a life lived in fellowship with God, offering redemption from the very self-reliance and alienation that Cain's city-building represents.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 49:11

Their inward thought [is, that] their houses [shall continue] for ever, [and] their dwelling places to all generations; they call [their] lands after their own names.

Daniel 4:30

The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Ecclesiastes 2:4

I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:

Ecclesiastes 2:11

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all [was] vanity and vexation of spirit, and [there was] no profit under the sun.

Luke 17:28

Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;

Luke 17:29

But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all.

Genesis 11:4

And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top [may reach] unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.