Book of Genesis - Chapter 4 - Verse 17
Meaning
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.