Definition: 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.
Explanation: Okay, letβs break down this passage from Genesis 4:17. Itβs a really important story that lays the groundwork for understanding humanity's beginnings. Hereβs what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Cain and His Wife: This describes the beginning of a family relationship β Cain, a man, and his wife, Abel. Conception & Birth: They have a child, Abel. Enoch: This is the key part! The child is named Enoch. Building a City: Cain builds a city (we donβt know the name of it β it's left open) and names it after his son, Enoch. Putting It All Together - What's Happening? This verse tells us that Cain had a child named Enoch. And this child, Enoch, became a father to a city! He built a city after naming it after his son. Whatβs the Significance? This is considered one of the earliest examples of a family line being established and passed down through generations. It's a pivotal moment because: It Introduces Humanity: It shows how humans β and eventually, humanity β started to have children and build families. Sets Up a Legacy: The city named after Enoch is significant because it highlights the idea of inheritance and continuation. It suggests that this family line would continue to exist and impact the world. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about human sin and violence. However, theologians generally see it as a foundational moment in the creation of humankind and the beginning of our story. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain what "Genesis" means? Discuss the context of the time period when this verse was written?