the same as קַיִן (with a play upon the affinity to קָנָה); Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in Palestine, and of an Oriental tribe; Cain, Kenite(-s).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Qayin**, represented by `{{H7014}}`, is the name of the first child born to Adam and Eve. It appears **18 times** across **15 unique verses**. The name carries a play on its affinity to the word **qânâh** `{{H7069}}`, meaning "to get" or "possess," which is reflected in Eve's statement upon his birth: "I have gotten a man from the LORD" [[Genesis 4:1]]. While primarily known as the personal name Cain, it also refers to an Oriental tribe, the Kenites, and a place in Palestine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7014}}` is central to the account of the first murder. **Cain** is presented as a tiller of the ground [[Genesis 4:2]] who brought an offering from the fruit of the ground to the LORD [[Genesis 4:3]]. When his offering was not respected, **Cain** became very wroth [[Genesis 4:5]]. This jealousy culminated in him rising up against his brother Abel and slaying him in a field [[Genesis 4:8]]. When confronted by the LORD, **Cain** famously asked, "Am I my brother's keeper?" [[Genesis 4:9]]. As a consequence, he was cursed and went out from the LORD's presence to dwell in the land of Nod `{{H5113}}` [[Genesis 4:16]]. God placed a mark `{{H226}}` on **Cain**, promising sevenfold vengeance on anyone who killed him [[Genesis 4:15]]. The name is also listed as a city in the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:57]] and is used to identify the Kenite tribe [[Numbers 24:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context to the story of Cain:
* `{{H1893}}` **Hebel** (Abel): As Cain's brother, Abel is the victim of the first fratricide. He was a keeper of sheep `{{H7462}}` whose offering was respected by the LORD, which became the catalyst for Cain's anger ([[Genesis 4:2]], [[Genesis 4:8]]).
* `{{H2026}}` **hârag** (to smite with deadly intent): This is the specific verb used to describe Cain's act of violence, stating that he "slew" his brother [[Genesis 4:8]]. Eve later recalls this event when she names her son Seth, who is to be a replacement for Abel, "whom Cain slew" [[Genesis 4:25]].
* `{{H7069}}` **qânâh** (to get, procure, create): This word is explicitly linked to Cain's name at his birth. Eve's declaration, "I have gotten a man," uses this root, tying his identity to an act of acquisition [[Genesis 4:1]].
* `{{H127}}` **ʼădâmâh** (soil, ground): This term is central to Cain's identity and curse. He was a "tiller of the ground" [[Genesis 4:2]] and his offering came from its fruit `{{H6529}}` [[Genesis 4:3]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity, punishment of iniquity): When confronted with his sentence, Cain cries out, "My punishment is greater than I can bear" [[Genesis 4:13]], using this word to describe the consequence of his sin.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7014}}` is profound, establishing several key biblical themes.
* **The Proliferation of Sin:** The story of Cain demonstrates the rapid escalation of sin from the disobedience of his parents to the violent act of murder against his own brother [[Genesis 4:8]].
* **Jealousy and Unacceptable Worship:** Cain's anger stems from the rejection of his offering while his brother's is accepted [[Genesis 4:5]]. This narrative raises fundamental questions about the nature of acceptable worship and the danger of a heart that is wroth `{{H2734}}` with God.
* **Divine Justice and Mercy:** God's response to Cain is twofold. He pronounces a just curse, exiling Cain from his family and vocation [[Genesis 4:16]]. Yet, He also displays mercy by setting a mark on him for protection, ensuring his preservation [[Genesis 4:15]].
* **The Legacy of Vengeance:** The protection given to Cain is later corrupted by his descendant Lamech `{{H3929}}`, who boasts of killing a man and claims for himself a seventy-sevenfold vengeance, a stark inflation of the divine protection afforded to Cain [[Genesis 4:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7014}}` is much more than a simple name. As **Cain**, he is a pivotal figure in the biblical account of humanity's fall, representing the first murder and the tragic consequences of jealousy and rage. His story illustrates the progression of sin, the complexities of divine justice and mercy, and sets a foundation for the theme of vengeance that unfolds throughout scripture. The use of the same word for a tribe and a city shows its lasting imprint on the biblical landscape, but its primary significance remains rooted in the Genesis narrative of a brother's betrayal.
TRV