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Genesis 4:25 - New hope after tragedy?

Genesis 4:25 - בראשית 4:25

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּדַע אָדָם עוֹד אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וַתֵּלֶד בֵּן וַתִּקְרָא אֶת־שְׁמוֹ שֵׁת כִּי שָׁת־לִי אֱלֹהִים זֶרַע אַחֵר תַּחַת הֶבֶל כִּי הֲרָגוֹ קָיִן׃

English Translation

And Adam (Man) knew his wife again; and she bore a son, and called his name Shet: For God, said she, has appointed me another seed instead of Hevel whom Qayin slew.

Transliteration

Vayeda adam od et-ishto vateled ben vatikra et-shmo shet ki shat-li Elohim zera acher tachat Hevel ki harago Kayin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁ֑ת כִּ֣י שָֽׁת־לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ זֶ֣רַע אַחֵ֔ר תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן׃
וַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת־שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁ֑ת כִּ֣י שָֽׁת־לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ זֶ֣רַע אַחֵ֔ר תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Birth of Shet

The verse (Bereshit 4:25) describes Chava (Eve) giving birth to Shet after the tragic death of Hevel (Abel) at the hands of Kayin (Cain). The name "Shet" (שֵׁת) is derived from Chava's declaration, "שָׁת־לִי אֱלֹהִים זֶרַע אַחֵר" ("God has appointed me another seed"), indicating divine providence in replacing Hevel.

Chava's Perspective

Rashi explains that Chava recognized this birth as a divine gift, using the term "שָׁת" (appointed) to express that Hashem had granted her a replacement for Hevel. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 23:5) elaborates that Shet was destined to be the progenitor of all future humanity, as the line of Kayin was ultimately destroyed in the Flood.

The Significance of Shet

  • Continuity of Mankind: Ramban notes that Shet represented the renewal of humanity's spiritual potential after the loss of Hevel, who was righteous (see Malbim).
  • Messianic Lineage: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 38b) identifies Shet as the ancestor of all righteous generations, including Avraham Avinu and ultimately Mashiach.
  • Divine Selection: The Sforno emphasizes that Shet was chosen by Hashem to continue the legacy of Adam, in contrast to Kayin's rejected lineage.

Theological Implications

The Kli Yakar highlights that Chava's statement reflects emunah (faith) in divine justice—acknowledging that even after tragedy, Hashem provides renewal. This mirrors the Jewish concept of "המקום ינחם אתכם" (Hashem consoles the bereaved) by granting new blessings.

Etymology of "Shet"

Ibn Ezra connects the name to the Hebrew root "שׁית" (to place or establish), symbolizing that Shet would establish a new, enduring line of humanity. This contrasts with Kayin's name (from "קניתי"—"I have acquired"), which reflected Chava's initial human-centered perspective.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 40a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the naming of Seth (Shet) and the significance of his name as a replacement for Abel (Hevel).
📖 Eruvin 18b
The verse is cited in a broader discussion about the generations of Adam and the lineage of humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Shet' (Seth) mean in Genesis 4:25?
A: The name 'Shet' (שֵׁת) comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'appointed' or 'placed.' Chava (Eve) named him Shet because she said, 'God has appointed (שָׁת) for me another seed in place of Hevel (Abel), whom Kayin (Cain) killed.' This shows gratitude to Hashem for granting her another son after the tragedy of Hevel's death (Rashi on Genesis 4:25).
Q: Why is Shet (Seth) important in the Torah?
A: Shet is significant because he became the ancestor of all future generations leading to Noach (Noah) and eventually Avraham Avinu (Abraham). The Torah traces the righteous lineage through Shet, unlike Kayin's line, which was cut off after the Flood (Ramban on Genesis 4:25; Talmud Sanhedrin 58b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Chava naming her son Shet?
A: Chava's naming of Shet teaches us to recognize Hashem's kindness even after tragedy. Despite losing Hevel, she acknowledged that Hashem provided her with another child. This reflects the Jewish value of gratitude (hakarat hatov) and trust in divine providence (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 23:5).
Q: How does this verse connect to the concept of teshuvah (repentance)?
A: The birth of Shet represents a new beginning after the sin of Kayin. The Midrash teaches that Adam and Chava did teshuvah after Hevel's death, and Shet's birth was a sign of divine mercy (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 21). This shows that even after great wrongdoing, repentance and renewal are possible.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Adam 'knew' his wife again?
A: The phrase 'Adam knew his wife again' emphasizes that marital intimacy is holy and proper in Judaism. After the tragedy of their children, Adam and Chava returned to their sacred relationship to rebuild their family, showing that life continues even after hardship (Rashi on Genesis 4:25; Talmud Yevamot 62a).