Genesis 4:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Genesis 4:17 follows immediately after Cain's banishment for the murder of his brother Abel. Having been driven "from the face of the earth" and "from the Lord's presence" (Genesis 4:16), this verse describes Cain's subsequent actions. The mention of "Cain knew his wife" often prompts questions about the origins of early human population; it implies that Adam and Eve had other unnamed children, including daughters, from whom Cain and his brothers could take wives, a necessity for humanity's early multiplication (Genesis 5:4).

Key Themes

  • Continuation of Humanity: Despite sin and judgment, the human race continues to multiply, fulfilling God's original command to "be fruitful, and multiply". This highlights God's enduring purpose for humanity even in a fallen world.
  • Cain's Legacy and Self-Reliance: Building the first recorded city signifies Cain's attempt to establish his own security and legacy apart from God. He names the city after his son, Enoch (distinct from the later Enoch who "walked with God"), perhaps as an act of defiance or an attempt to build a lasting memorial for himself and his lineage in a world he was now forced to wander. This marks an early stage of human civilization and communal living.
  • Human Endeavor Apart from God: This act of building a city can be seen as humanity's first significant collective effort, but it's initiated by Cain, a figure marked by rebellion and murder. It foreshadows later instances of human ambition and monumental construction, like the Tower of Babel, where human glory takes precedence over divine will.

Practical Application

This verse highlights humanity's inherent drive to build, create, and seek security, even in a fallen state. While building cities and communities is not inherently wrong, Cain's motivation, stemming from banishment and a life "from the presence of the LORD," suggests an attempt to find solace and significance apart from God. It serves as a reminder that true security and lasting legacy are found not in human achievements alone, but in a right relationship with God, as exemplified later by those who walked with Him.

Reflection

Genesis 4:17 provides a glimpse into the very beginnings of human society after the Fall and the first murder. It shows how Cain, despite his curse, continued to live and multiply, and even became a pioneer of urban development. This passage underscores the resilience of humanity but also the danger of seeking self-sufficiency and building a life detached from divine fellowship.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 49:11 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 2:11 (2 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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

  • Genesis 11:4 (1 votes)

    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.