Genesis 4:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consequently, the Scriptures concisely relay: “And Cain knew his wife, and conceived Enoch; and he built a city in the name of his son, Enoch.” Observe how humanity increasingly seeks permanence. Now that mortality has taken hold, there is a desire to ensure their legacy endures through their children by naming the places they inhabit after them. However, it must be acknowledged that these actions symbolize both their transgressions and the loss of the divine glory that Adam and Eve once possessed, a glory which was not needed but was their birthright above all else.

Thus, we find that Cain constructed a city, while Abel, being a nomad, did not establish a city of his own. The city belonging to the saints is the city of the Most High, where even now He gives life to His citizens, who journey in His name until His kingdom is realized. At that destined time, He will assemble all who have been raised with their bodies, and they shall receive a promised kingdom where they will reign eternally alongside their Head and King.

Initially, He permitted marriages between siblings, but as humanity increased in number, such unions were deemed unlawful. For this reason, He preserved the wives of Noah and his sons in the ark, ensuring that their sons could marry their relatives.

Many who sin carry the same names as the righteous, while the righteous may share names with sinners; however, a reputable name does not automatically indicate righteousness and holiness if one's life is corrupt, nor does an unholy name render a person dishonorable and sinful if their life reflects virtue.

Consider the two Judas from apostolic times—one was Iscariot while the other was not. They had identical names but led entirely different lives: one was a betrayer, while the other proclaimed the name of Jesus Christ; one stood in opposition, and the other was a brother of the Lord in the flesh; one met a violent death, while the other, after suffering for Christ, received the heavenly crown. Before the flood, there were also two men named Enoch: one was Cain's son, and the other was a descendant of Seth. Cain, alongside his father, faced condemnation in hell, while Enoch of Seth was taken up into heaven. Similarly, there were two Lamechs: one from a sinful lineage and the other from the Christ-promising generation. The Lamech from the sinful line was the first bigamist, while the other was a prophet and the father of Noah, as history will later recount.

Let us also reflect on our shared Christian nomenclature: we all bear the title of Christians because of Christ, yet not all of us live in a manner pleasing to Him. Though baptized in His name, our actions may reflect only our own desires rather than those of Christ. The holy Apostle Peter reminds us, "Whosoever is overcome by it, by it he also works" (2 Pet. 2:19). Furthermore, Christ himself stated, "He who commits sin is a slave to sin" (John 8:34). Among us are many who claim to be Christians, yet their actions betray this claim; they are not belonging to Christ but are instead tied to the devil, just as St. John the Theologian asserts: "He who works sin is of the devil" (1 John 3:8). To such individuals, the words of Christ addressed to the angel of the Church of Sardis resonate: "Thou hast a name as alive, but thou art dead" (Rev. 3:1).

Take heed, O person enlightened by holy baptism! Your Christian name marks you for eternal life, yet your behavior may be paving the way for eternal damnation. You may identify as a Christian in name only, while your actions reflect those of a heathen; you may be called an angel, but live like a demon; you may appear human, yet possess a fierce and beastly nature. You are animated, yet spiritually lifeless, neglecting the salvation of your soul. "You have a name as you live, but you are dead." Show kindness to your soul and uphold your Christian name, so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is not sullied through you. Instead, embrace the path of repentance and manifest through good deeds what it means to be a living and true Christian, ensuring that your actions align rightly with your name.

Furthermore, it could demonstrate that his progeny reflected their ancestor, as the most accomplished among Cain's descendants sought after temporal gain and delight, while the least distinguished fell into vice and brutality; thus portraying the offspring of the serpent in contrast to the offspring of the woman. This final aim, while not dismissing the others, encapsulates the entirety of the narrative and establishes its vital link to the preceding tale of Cain and Abel, as well as the following one regarding Seth. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived. This may initially appear incongruous given Cain's plight, as one who despaired of his existence might seek to bear children to pass on his judgment. Yet this illustrates the nature of the unrepentant sinner, who, teetering on the brink of destruction, remains preoccupied with his pleasures. Nevertheless, God permitted the expansion of this forsaken lineage for a greater purpose within His divine plan. And built a city. To understand this, it is important to recognize that Cain's city likely arose not long after the birth of his son, and the term 'city' in Jewish tradition refers to any enclosed settlement. The presence of wild animals may have inspired Cain's desire to establish a city. However, what truly compelled him, likely, was an ongoing fear of fatal consequence. Thus, the first city is established by the earth's initial outcast, who has strayed from the hope of a city with a firm foundation, whose builder and architect is God (Hebrews 11:10). He named the city after his son, following an ancient practice of naming cities after the forebear of the residents or the founder (Judges 18:29, 2 Samuel 5:7). The origins of this practice can be seen in Cain’s son, while Cain himself would not have graced the city with his name.

His motivation to construct a city was likely driven by a desire to escape his cursed life of wandering, imposed by divine justice, and to establish a permanent dwelling. However, it appears he did not settle in the city he started to build, which remained incomplete, as he left its construction to his descendants. Cain may have also been motivated to create this city as a means of finding safety from those he feared would seek retribution against him. Additionally, it could serve as a base of operation, should he resort to theft to sustain himself when agriculture failed. Cain's city might also symbolize an effort to forge a new community among his kind in place of the lost communion with God.