Verse

Genesis 4:1

ESV Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.”
NIV Adam made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain. She said, 'With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man.'
NASB Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, 'I have obtained a male child with the help of the Lord.'
CSB The man was intimate with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, "I have had a male child with the Lord's help."
NLT Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, 'With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!'
KJV And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD.

What does Genesis 4:1 mean?

Now begins the story of human history apart from the perfection of the Garden of Eden, as the first generation born into sin comes to earth. Adam and Eve slept together, conceived, and named their firstborn son Cain. Eve's statement of gratitude reflects her continued faith in God's goodness and provision. Even outside of the garden, Eve understood she owed her life and every good gift to the Lord.

In a way, this is remarkable. Eve doubtlessly experienced great pain in bearing and giving birth to Cain, something she would have expected after hearing God's curse for her (Genesis 3:16). Instead of resenting God for that, she gives Him credit for helping her through the process of receiving this gift of a son.

The name Cain in Hebrew is Qā'yin, which is closely related to the word qanah, meaning "obtained" or "gotten." His birth is a happy occasion, and a fulfillment of God's intent to keep the human race alive. Unfortunately, this joy will be marred by Cain's actions later in life, as detailed in the next verses.
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