Book of Genesis - Chapter 4 - Verse 17

Genesis 4:17 records Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, knowing his wife and her conceiving a son named Enoch. The verse goes on to mention that Cain built a city and named it after his son, Enoch. This verse is significant as it marks the first mention of a city being built in the Bible. It shows the progression of civilization and the development of settlements. Additionally, naming the city after his son symbolizes Cain's desire to create a legacy and establish a place where his descendants could thrive. Building a city was a symbol of power and influence in ancient times, making this act by Cain a display of his ambition and vision for the future. The verse serves as a reminder of both the creativity and the destructive nature that humanity possesses, as Cain's actions ultimately led to consequences for himself and his descendants.

One possible theological interpretation of the verse "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." is that it highlights Cain's role as a founder of civilization after being banished by God for killing his brother Abel. The act of Cain "knowing" his wife signifies the beginning of the establishment of a new society, with Enoch being the firstborn in this new city. The emphasis on the naming of the city after his son Enoch could symbolize Cain's desire to leave a lasting legacy and create a sense of belonging and identity for his descendants. Additionally, word studies on the names mentioned in the verse, such as "Cain," "Enoch," and the city's name, could provide deeper insights into the significance and symbolism of these names in the context of the biblical narrative.