Cain is explicitly mentioned in the Bible as an individual who "knew" his wife. This term, in biblical context, refers to intimate sexual relations.
Cain's Union and Offspring
According to the book of Genesis, after being cast out by God following the murder of his brother Abel, Cain traveled to the land of Nod. It was there that he engaged in an intimate relationship with his wife.
The scripture states, "And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch." This union led to the birth of their son, Enoch. Following Enoch's birth, Cain is noted for building a city, which he named after his son, Enoch.
This account in Genesis 4 highlights a significant moment in early human history as recorded in the Bible, detailing the lineage and activities of Adam and Eve's direct descendants. The mention of Cain's wife and their son Enoch provides continuity to the narrative of humanity's expansion and the establishment of early communities.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Individual | Cain |
| Action | Knew his wife (had intimate relations) |
| Outcome | She conceived and bore a son, Enoch |
| Significance | This led to the continuation of Cain's lineage and the establishment of a city named after his son. |
The Biblical Meaning of "Knew"
In ancient Hebrew scripture, the verb "yada" (translated as "knew" in the King James Version) often carries a deeper meaning than mere intellectual acquaintance. When used in the context of a man and a woman, it signifies a profound, intimate, and often sexual relationship. This usage emphasizes the deeply personal and uniting nature of marital relations as understood in biblical times, leading to procreation.
For instance, this same terminology is used elsewhere in the Bible, such as when Adam "knew" Eve, leading to the birth of their children. It denotes the act of sexual intercourse necessary for conception and the continuation of humanity.
The Identity of Cain's Wife
While the Bible explicitly states that Cain "knew his wife," it does not specify her name or how she came to be his wife. Given the early stage of human history described in Genesis, the general understanding is that she would have been a descendant of Adam and Eve, likely a sister or niece, as all humanity originated from this first couple. This inference is based on the narrative flow of Genesis, which primarily focuses on the lineage stemming from Adam and Eve.
