Genesis 4:17 - City named after righteous son?

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Hebrew Text

וַיֵּדַע קַיִן אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וַתַּהַר וַתֵּלֶד אֶת־חֲנוֹךְ וַיְהִי בֹּנֶה עִיר וַיִּקְרָא שֵׁם הָעִיר כְּשֵׁם בְּנוֹ חֲנוֹךְ׃

English Translation

And Qayin knew his wife; and she conceived, and bore Ḥanokh: and he built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Ḥanokh.

Transliteration

Va-yeda Kayin et-ishto va-tahar va-teled et-Chanoch va-yehi boneh ir va-yikra shem ha-ir ke-shem beno Chanoch.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֤דַע קַ֙יִן֙ אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד אֶת־חֲנ֑וֹךְ וַֽיְהִי֙ בֹּ֣נֶה עִ֔יר וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הָעִ֔יר כְּשֵׁ֖ם בְּנ֥וֹ חֲנֽוֹךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Verse in Context

The verse (Bereshit 4:17) describes Kayin (Cain) building a city and naming it after his son, Chanokh (Enoch). This follows Kayin's punishment for killing Hevel (Abel) and his subsequent exile. The Torah's mention of Kayin establishing a city raises several questions explored by traditional commentators.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Bereshit 4:17) notes that Kayin's act of building a city reflects his lack of complete repentance. Despite receiving divine mercy (as evidenced by the protective "sign" given to him earlier), Kayin remained fearful and sought security in physical structures rather than trusting in Hashem. The city was an attempt to establish permanence for his lineage, contrasting with his status as a wanderer.

Ibn Ezra's Perspective

Ibn Ezra suggests that the term "city" here may not refer to a large metropolis as we understand it today, but rather a fortified settlement. Given the small population at that time, this may have been a protective enclosure for Kayin's family.

Midrashic Interpretations

Bereishit Rabbah (22:7) states that Kayin built the city as an act of rebellion - attempting to defy his punishment of being a restless wanderer by creating a permanent dwelling place.
Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer (Chapter 21) suggests that Kayin's building projects included not just a city but also walls and fortifications, showing his continued focus on physical security rather than spiritual growth.

The Naming After Chanokh

The naming of the city after Chanokh (meaning "dedication" or "initiation") is significant. Some commentators see this as Kayin's attempt to dedicate a new beginning for his lineage. The Malbim notes that naming cities after people was common practice, showing the importance of progeny in establishing legacy.

Philosophical Implications

Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 1:2) uses this episode to discuss human civilization's development. Kayin's city-building represents humanity's early attempts at social organization, while simultaneously demonstrating how material development can distract from spiritual purpose when not properly balanced.

Contrast with Shet's Lineage

Later in the parsha (Bereshit 5), we see Shet's (Seth's) lineage producing Enosh, whose generation "began to call in the name of Hashem." This contrast highlights the different paths taken by Kayin's descendants (focused on material development) versus Shet's (more spiritually oriented).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 4:17 mean when it says Cain knew his wife?
A: The phrase 'Cain knew his wife' is a biblical expression meaning that Cain had marital relations with his wife, leading to the birth of their son Hanokh (Rashi on Genesis 4:17). This is a common Torah expression for intimacy between husband and wife.

Q: Why did Cain name the city after his son Hanokh?
A: Cain named the city after his son Hanokh to establish a lasting legacy, as building a city was seen as a way to achieve permanence (Ramban on Genesis 4:17). This reflects human desire for continuity and remembrance.

Q: Where did Cain get a wife if only Adam and Chava (Eve) were created?
A: According to traditional Jewish sources (Rashi, Sanhedrin 58b), Cain married one of his sisters, as Adam and Chava had many children besides Cain and Hevel (Abel). The Torah sometimes omits details that were understood in context.

Q: What is the significance of Cain building a city in Genesis 4:17?
A: Cain building a city shows humanity's development after being banished from Gan Eden. It represents the beginning of civilization and human effort to create stability (Sforno on Genesis 4:17). This also reflects Cain trying to establish security after his wandering punishment.

Q: How does the story of Cain and Hanokh apply to us today?
A: This teaches about the human drive to build and create lasting things, both physically (like cities) and spiritually (through family). It also shows how names carry meaning and legacy (Midrash Tanchuma). We learn that our actions, like Cain's city-building, have lasting impact.