Genesis 4:17 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →In exile, Cain takes a wife, fathers Enoch, and builds a city.
The Context of Genesis 4:17
Cain marries, has a son, and builds the first city.
What Does Genesis 4:17 Mean?
Despite his curse and exile, Cain continues the pattern of human procreation and labor. He takes a wife and fathers a son, Enoch. Then, strikingly, he builds a city—the first city mentioned in Scripture. This act of foundation and civilization contradicts the curse of endless wandering; Cain establishes a place of settlement and names it after his son, creating a legacy.
This verse presents the paradox of Cain's existence: he is a fugitive under judgment, yet he builds, generates offspring, and creates culture. His city-building suggests resilience or defiance—choosing civilization despite the sentence of exile. Whether this represents faith, stubbornness, or resignation remains open; the text simply reports that Cain perseveres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 4:17
What does Genesis 4:17 mean?
In exile, Cain takes a wife, fathers Enoch, and builds a city.
What is the context of Genesis 4:17?
Cain marries, has a son, and builds the first city.