Illustration created for this project.
Enoch (son of Cain)
The son of Cain, after whom Cain named the first city.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Scholarly — supported scholarly belief · 2
Family & lineage
ScholarlySource critics have long noted that the Cainite line in Genesis 4 (Enoch, Irad, Mehujael, Methushael, Lamech) closely parallels the Sethite line in Genesis 5 (Enoch, Jared, Mahalalel, Methuselah, Lamech), leading many to argue the two genealogies are variant developments of a single older name-tradition.
Widely discussed documentary/source-critical observation on the parallel Genesis 4 and Genesis 5 genealogies.
Name & titles
ScholarlyThe name Enoch (Hebrew Hanokh) comes from the root h-n-k meaning to dedicate, train, or initiate, fitting its use in Genesis 4 where Cain names the first city after him; this Cainite Enoch is a separate figure from the antediluvian Enoch son of Jared who walked with God.
Hebrew onomastic analysis of root h-n-k, to dedicate/inaugurate (BDB, HALOT).