Genesis 4:17

Authorized King James 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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֵּ֤דַע

H3045

knew

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

קַ֙יִן֙

H7014

And Cain

kajin, the name of the first child

אֶת

H853

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

אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ

H802

his wife

a woman

וַתַּ֖הַר

H2029

and she conceived

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

וַתֵּ֣לֶד

H3205

and bare

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

אֶת

H853

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

חֲנֽוֹךְ׃

H2585

Enoch

chanok, an antediluvian patriach

וַֽיְהִי֙

H1961

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

#10

בֹּ֣נֶה

H1129

and he builded

to build (literally and figuratively)

#11

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

a city

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

#12

וַיִּקְרָא֙

H7121

and called

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

#13

כְּשֵׁ֖ם

H8034

after the name

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

#14

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

a city

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

#15

כְּשֵׁ֖ם

H8034

after the name

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

#16

בְּנ֥וֹ

H1121

of his son

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

#17

חֲנֽוֹךְ׃

H2585

Enoch

chanok, an antediluvian patriach

Analysis

The creation and providence theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern narrative literature addressing origins and identity shapes this text's meaning. The development from creation to divine election established God's sovereign care over history Understanding a worldview where divine beings actively governed natural and historical processes helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Genesis chapter 4 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the creation and providence theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

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