Keraia
Genesis 4

Genesis 4:1

Cain and Abel · Genesis 4:1–16
Read Genesis 4

Translations

Modern
And Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man,” she said.
Traditional
And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.
Literal
And the man knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain and said, “I have acquired a man by YHWH.”
Latin
Adam vero cognovit uxorem suam Hevam, quæ concepit et peperit Cain, dicens: Possedi hominem per Deum.

Original

Hebrew
English
And Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man,” she said.

Notes

Genesis 4:1

  • had relations (literally knew): In some contexts, the Hebrew word meaning "to know" is a way to describe having sexual relations with someone (4:17; 19:33, 35). It is never used for animals, which mate by instinct.

  • With the help of the LORD: Eve fulfilled her God-given role of having children despite the negative effects of sin (see 3:16, 20).

  • I have brought forth a man: Cain (Hebrew qayin) sounds like a Hebrew word (qanah) that can mean “produce” or “acquire.”

Theme notes and profiles

Symbolic Numbers The Creation

Events

Parallels

Hebrews 11:4

People

Adam: The first man, created by God Cain: Adam and Eve's firstborn son, killed his brother Abel Eve: First woman; wife of Adam; tempted by the serpent

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) City Eternal Life Eve Genesis, Book of Land Marriage, Marriage Customs Mesopotamia Patriarchs, Period of the Remnant Woman

Topics

Abel and Cain Abel: Son of Adam--History of Adam: The First Man: Subsequent History of Cain: Son of Adam Children: The Gift of God Eve: Children of Marriage: The Expectation of the Promised Seed of the Woman An Thankfulness: To God of Eve