Cain: A City of Judah
Jump to: Nave'sHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Cain is mentioned in the genealogical records of the tribe of Judah, as found in the Old Testament. This city is referenced in the context of the territorial allotments given to the tribes of Israel after they entered the Promised Land under the leadership of Joshua. The mention of Cain is brief, and it appears in the list of cities within the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to Cain as a city is found in the Book of Joshua. In Joshua 15:57, the city is listed among the towns in the hill country of Judah: "Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah—ten cities, along with their villages." (BSB)

Geographical Context:

Cain is situated in the hill country of Judah, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic location. The hill country was known for its natural fortifications and fertile land, making it a significant region for the tribe of Judah. The exact location of Cain is not definitively known today, and it is not prominently featured in other biblical narratives or archaeological findings.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

As a city within the territory of Judah, Cain would have been part of the broader cultural and religious life of the tribe. Judah, being one of the leading tribes of Israel, played a crucial role in the history of the Israelites. The cities within its territory, including Cain, contributed to the tribe's economic and military strength.

The mention of Cain in the genealogical records underscores the importance of land and inheritance in the Israelite society. Each city and its surrounding villages were integral to the identity and sustenance of the tribe. The allocation of cities like Cain to Judah reflects the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of Cain in the biblical record highlights the meticulous nature of God's provision and the fulfillment of His covenant promises. The division of the land among the tribes of Israel was not merely a political or social arrangement but a divine orchestration that underscored God's faithfulness to His people.

The city of Cain, though not prominent in biblical narratives, serves as a testament to the detailed and purposeful nature of God's plans for His chosen people. Each city, including Cain, played a role in the unfolding account of Israel and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

Conclusion:

While Cain as a city does not feature prominently in biblical accounts or events, its mention in the territorial allotments of Judah provides insight into the structure and organization of the Israelite tribes. It reflects the broader themes of inheritance, divine promise, and the establishment of God's people in the land He had set apart for them.
Nave's Topical Index
Joshua 15:57
Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:
Nave's Topical Index

Strong's Hebrew
7014. Qayin -- a city in S. Judah
... 7013, 7014. Qayin. 7014a . a city in S. Judah. Transliteration: Qayin Phonetic
Spelling: (kah'-yin) Short Definition: Cain. Cain, Kenites ...
/hebrew/7014.htm - 5k
Library

What Cain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History ...
... is it necessary to suppose that Enoch was Cain's first-born because he named his
city after him. ... Judah was not the first-born, though he gives his name to ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 what cains reason was.htm

Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ...
... flood in the generations of the earthly city, but preferred ... and who will presume
to say that Cain and Abel ... Then follows, "And Jacob begat Judah and his brethren ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 15 whether it is credible.htm

City of God
... 21.--Why It is That, as Soon as Cain's Son Enoch ... the Genealogy of Shem, in Whose
Line the City of God ... 41.--Of the Blessing Which Jacob Promised in Judah His Son ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Enoch, the son of Cain, [564]298. ... before Christ, who belonged to the fellowship of
the holy city? ... seventy-five souls, [911]334; his blessing on Judah, [912]334 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Children's Bible
... THE FIRST DISOBEDIENCE. CAIN AND HIS BROTHER ABEL. ... THE BOY JOASH ON THE THRONE OF
JUDAH. A YOUNG MAN WHO SAID, "SEND ME". ... A PROPHET WHO SAVED A GREAT CITY. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/

We Arrive Now at a Branch of Our Subject Upon which the Lord's ...
... at rest" since the days of Cain (except it ... following the overthrow of "the golden
city," Israel exclaims ... come, they and the children of Judah together, going ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/we arrive now at a.htm

Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487.
... Cain, mark set on, [148]124, [149]241; built a city, [150]252 ... See Jerusalem and The
City of God ... 605]264; judicially blinded, [606]308; named from Judah, [607]355 ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/aron brother of moses 486.htm

And ii.
... The same sin," he says, "yea, the same punishment of sin which shall overturn Samaria,
is to extend to Judah, yea, even unto the gates of my city of Jerusalem. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Kingdom Foreshadowed
... 4. Cain and Abel ... 49:10: "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's
staff ... the first musician, the first piece of poetry, the first city, the first ...
/.../palmer/a birds-eye view of the bible/i the kingdom foreshadowed.htm

Book 1 Footnotes:
... much better than this of Josephus: I mean, because "Cain was of ... foot it was built,
as the first city or town ... his sons "to worship the seed of Judah, who should ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

Resources
What was the mark that God put on Cain (Genesis 4:15)? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God accept Abel's offering but reject Cain's offering? Why did Cain then kill Abel? | GotQuestions.org

Of whom was Cain afraid after he killed Abel? | GotQuestions.org

Cain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Cain

Cain: A City of Judah

Cain: Son of Adam

Cain: Son of Adam: Children and Descendants of

Cain: Son of Adam: Jealousy and Crime of

Cain: Son of Adam: Sojourns in the Land of Nod

Related Terms

Tubal-cain (1 Occurrence)

Cain's (3 Occurrences)

Tubal-cain's (1 Occurrence)

Abel (22 Occurrences)

Lamech (11 Occurrences)

Enoch (18 Occurrences)

Zillah (3 Occurrences)

Slayeth (28 Occurrences)

Slew (206 Occurrences)

Tubalcain (1 Occurrence)

Nod (2 Occurrences)

Naamah (5 Occurrences)

Wroth (65 Occurrences)

Forger (1 Occurrence)

Required (72 Occurrences)

Relations (92 Occurrences)

Expression (17 Occurrences)

Downcast (11 Occurrences)

Beareth (108 Occurrences)

Countenance (67 Occurrences)

Slay (189 Occurrences)

Sevenfold (10 Occurrences)

Seven-fold (6 Occurrences)

Connection (72 Occurrences)

Bore (221 Occurrences)

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)

Bare (250 Occurrences)

Antediluvian

Soil (59 Occurrences)

Keeper (72 Occurrences)

Sad (73 Occurrences)

Iron (104 Occurrences)

Offering (850 Occurrences)

Vengeance (63 Occurrences)

Kills (38 Occurrences)

Kain (2 Occurrences)

Na'amah (5 Occurrences)

Implements (7 Occurrences)

Irad (1 Occurrence)

Instruments (136 Occurrences)

Instrument (45 Occurrences)

Forged (3 Occurrences)

Tiller (3 Occurrences)

Tubal (9 Occurrences)

Tool (13 Occurrences)

Revenged (2 Occurrences)

Riseth (165 Occurrences)

Displeasing (31 Occurrences)

Methusael (1 Occurrence)

Pregnant (33 Occurrences)

Bronze (146 Occurrences)

Couch (55 Occurrences)

Conceiveth (27 Occurrences)

Conceived (66 Occurrences)

Attacked (93 Occurrences)

Setteth (116 Occurrences)

Seth (9 Occurrences)

Smite (230 Occurrences)

Slays (7 Occurrences)

Slayer (23 Occurrences)

Token (24 Occurrences)

Architecture

Fallen (233 Occurrences)

Brother's (46 Occurrences)

Attack (221 Occurrences)

Killed (352 Occurrences)

Calleth (261 Occurrences)

Tools (3 Occurrences)

Angry (269 Occurrences)

Talked (79 Occurrences)

Let's (74 Occurrences)

Worked (145 Occurrences)

Evil (1503 Occurrences)

Sister (113 Occurrences)

Retribution (14 Occurrences)

Brass (168 Occurrences)

Kinds (110 Occurrences)

Finding (57 Occurrences)

Cain Murders Abel
Top of Page
Top of Page