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Genesis 4:16 — Word Study

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WLCוַיֵּ֥צֵא קַ֖יִן מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּאֶֽרֶץ־ נ֖וֹד קִדְמַת־ עֵֽדֶן׃

BSASo CainQayin [the first murderer, son of Adam] went outyâtsâʼ [to come out, to depart] from the presencepânîym [face, before] of the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the Lord God] and settledyâshab [to dwell, to remain] in the landʼerets [earth, territory] of NodNôwd [a land of exile, wandering] eastqidmâh [on the east side, toward the rising sun] of EdenʻÊden [the garden of pleasure, paradise]

Word
Listen & take awayGenesis 4
English ↓ Download MP3 The Berean Standard Bible chapter audio already hosted for the site's Bible section — verse 16 is in this chapter.
Hebrew ↓ Download MP3 The Masoretic text of this chapter, read aloud. Read by Abraham Shmuelof, courtesy of Audio Scriptures International. Chapter divisions by the Academy of Ancient Languages..
Say the word Each Hebrew word carries its transliteration ('E.den) — no per-word recordings of the Hebrew exist to link to.
Take it away
Genesis 4:16quick helps
In a sentenceCain leaves the presence of the LORD and settles in Nod, marking the beginning of his wandering.
Who is speakingThe narrator recounts Cain's actions after the murder of Abel.
Where we areThe aftermath of Cain's punishment — a shift from Eden to a land of exile.
The hard wordנ֖וֹד
Take awayCain's departure signifies a new beginning in a land of wandering.
8 commentators on this verse Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them › clause subjectקַיִן verbיָצָא The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
How rare are these words?in the Old Testament

1 of 9 occurs nowhere else in the Old Testament — a word chosen on purpose.

Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.

Deep Study — Genesis 4:16

Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.

Context — The Story of Cain's Exilegenerated

15“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.
16So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
17And Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch.
18Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methusael, and Methusael was the father of Lamech.

Genesis 4:16 describes Cain's departure from the presence of the LORD after murdering his brother Abel. This act of leaving signifies not only physical distance but also a spiritual separation from God. Cain's journey leads him to Nod, a land associated with wandering and exile, highlighting the consequences of his actions and the beginning of a new chapter in his life, as seen in the following verses where he establishes a city and begins a lineage.


Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1Genesis 4:14Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
2Genesis 3:8Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the breeze of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
3Exodus 20:18When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain enveloped in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance.
42 Kings 13:23But the LORD was gracious to Israel and had compassion on them, and He turned toward them because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And to this day, the LORD has been unwilling to destroy them or cast them from His presence.
52 Kings 24:20For because of the anger of the LORD, all this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, until He finally banished them from His presence. And Zedekiah also rebelled against the king of Babylon.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 16 references, hung on the phrase they belong to


The Key Word יָצָא, vai.Ye.tze'generated

The verb יָצָא (yatsa') means to go out or come out. It conveys a sense of departure, whether from a physical location or a state of being. In this context, it signifies Cain's exit from the divine presence, marking a pivotal moment in his life.

The parsing indicates a sequential imperfect tense, suggesting that this action is part of a narrative unfolding. The choice of this verb emphasizes the significance of Cain's departure, not just as a physical act but as a transformative moment in his relationship with God.


How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated

Translations generally agree on the meaning of יָצָא as went out.


Sentence Structuregenerated

The main verb יָצָא governs the sentence, indicating Cain's action of leaving. This verb is followed by a prepositional phrase that specifies from where he left, and then another verb יָשַׁב that describes where he settled.

The structure emphasizes the sequential nature of Cain's actions: first he departs, then he dwells in a new land. This arrangement highlights the transition from his previous life to his new existence in Nod.


Septuagint Backgroundgenerated

The Septuagint translates יָצָא as ἐχῆλθεν, which carries the same meaning of going out. This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew, maintaining the sense of departure.

The word נ֖וֹד is rendered as ναιδ, which reflects the concept of wandering. This translation reinforces the idea of Cain's exile and the implications of his actions.


In plain words — the whole versegenerated

Genesis 4:16 tells us that Cain left the presence of the LORD after killing Abel and settled in a land called Nod, which is associated with wandering. This marks the beginning of a new life for Cain, away from Eden.


Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated

What does it mean that Cain went out from the presence of the LORD?

This signifies Cain's separation from God, which is both a physical and spiritual departure after his sin.

What is the significance of the land of Nod?

Nod represents a place of wandering and exile, reflecting the consequences of Cain's actions.

How does this verse connect to the broader narrative of Genesis?

Cain's departure sets the stage for the development of his lineage and the unfolding of humanity's story after the fall.

What can we learn from Cain's actions?

Cain's story serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining in God's presence.


Reflection Questionsgenerated

  1. What does Cain's departure from God's presence teach us about the effects of sin?
  2. How can we ensure we remain in God's presence in our own lives?
  3. What does the land of Nod symbolize in the context of exile and wandering?
  4. In what ways can we learn from Cain's choices and their consequences?

The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it

The early Church Fathers offer insights into Cain's actions and their implications. Quotations from Clement of Alexandria, Athanasius of Alexandria, and Ephrem the Syrian explore themes of presence and separation from God.

Clement of AlexandriaThe Stromata Book 2 c. 150–215
The Scripture makes good sense: “Cain left God’s presence and went to live in the land of Nod, opposite Eden.” Nod means “disturbance,” Eden, “the good life.” The good life from which the transgressor was expelled consisted in faith,
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 4 →
Athanasius of AlexandriaFESTAL LETTERS 10 c. 296–373
By means of righteousness we come into God’s presence, as Moses did when he entered the thick cloud where God was. On the other hand, by the practice of evil a person leaves the presence of the Lord.
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 4 →
Ephrem the SyrianCOMMENTARY ON Genesis 3.11.1 c. 306–373
After Cain received the punishment and the sign had been added to it … Moses said that “Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden.” Cain, therefore,
Early Church Fathers on Genesis 4 →

Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse

Each of these wrote on Genesis 4:16 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.

John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord,.... Either from the place where the Lord was talking with him; or from the place where his glorious Majesty usually resided, where was some visible

Read John Gill on Genesis 4 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's Commentary

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. And Cain ... dwelt in the land of Nod.

Read Robert Jamieson on Genesis 4 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible

i.e. He was banished from the place of God’ s special presence and habitation, from the society of his father, and of the only church which God had upon earth; and dwelt in the land of Nod, in the land which was afterwards called Nod, from Cain’ s unsettled condition, because he continued wandering hither and thither in it.

Read Matthew Poole on Genesis 4 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Genesis 4:16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.Ver. 16. And Cain went out from the presence, &c.] But whither could he go from God’ s Spirit? or whither could he fly from his presence? From the presence of his power he could not: for, "Enter, praesenter, Deus hic et ubique potenter." God is "not very far from any one of us," saith St Paul. Not so far surely as the bark is from the tree, "for all things consist in him"; so that a wicked man cannot wag hand or foot without his privity. But it was the presence of his grace, and use of his ordinances that this wretch fled from; as did likewise Jonah, in that, as wise as he, so…

Read John Trapp on Genesis 4 →
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(16) Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.—See Note on Genesis 3:8. Adam and his family probably worshipped with their faces towards the Paradise, and Cain, on migrating from the whole land of Eden, regarded himself as beyond the range of the vision of God. (See Note on Genesis 4:14.) The land of Nod.—i.e., of wandering. Knobel supposes it was China, but this is too remote. Read without vowels, the word becomes India. All that is certain is that Cain emigrated into Eastern Asia, and as none of Noah’s descendants, in the table of nations in Genesis 10, are described as having travelled eastward, many with Philippson and Knobel regard the Mongol race as the offspring of Cain.

Read Charles John Ellicott on Genesis 4 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Verse 16. The land of Nod] As נוד nod signifies the same as נד sa, a vagabond, some think this verse should be rendered, And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, from the east of Eden, and dwelt a vagabond on the earth; thus the curse pronounced on him, Genesis 4:12, was accomplished.

Read AdamClarke on Genesis 4 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16. from the presence of] Cf. 14, “from thy face.” Cain going out “from the presence of” Jehovah, quits the land in which that presence was revealed. Jonah in fleeing from Palestine fled “from the presence of the Lord” (Jonah 1:3). in the land of Nod] That is, Wandering, cf. the word “wanderer” (nβd) in Genesis 4:12; Genesis 4:14. This region cannot be identified; it serves as a vague designation for all the country in the unknown East, which was thought to be inhabited only by nomads. on the east of] This rendering, like the Lat. ad orientalem plagam, is preferable to that of the marg. in front of (LXX κατέναντι). See notes on Genesis 2:14 and Genesis 3:24.

Read Cambridge on Genesis 4 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible

THE , Genesis 4:16-24. 16. Cain went out from the presence of the Lord — From that sacred spot on the east of the garden, where Jehovah had revealed his presence and glory to Adam and his sons. Comp. Genesis 4:14.

Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Genesis 4 →

The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company

Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.

Modern formal

BSBBerean Standard Bible2020

So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

WEBWorld English Bible2000

Cain left Yahweh’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

MSBMajority Standard Bible2022

So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

NETBNew English Translation2006

So Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

Tyndale line

KJVKing James Version1611

¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

ASVAmerican Standard Version1901

And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

RVARevised Version, American1894

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

NWBWebster's Bible1833

And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

GNVGeneva Bible1599

Then Kain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod towarde the Eastside of Eden.

Strictly literal

DBYDarby Translation1890

And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, toward the east of Eden.

YLTYoung's Literal Translation1862

And Cain goeth out from before Jehovah, and dwelleth in the land, moving about east of Eden;

LSVLiteral Standard Version2020

And Cain goes out from before YHWH, and dwells in the land, moving about east of Eden;

ILTInterlinear Literal Translation2000

And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

ULBUnlocked Literal Bible2017

So Cain went out from the presence of Yahweh and lived in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

From the Latin

DRADouay-Rheims (Challoner)1899

And Cain went out from the face of the Lord, and dwelt as a fugitive on the earth, at the east side of Eden.

Simplified

FBVFree Bible Version2020

So Cain left the Lord's presence and went to live in a land called Nod, east of Eden.

BBEBible in Basic English1949

And Cain went away from before the face of the Lord, and made his living-place in the land of Nod on the east of Eden.

Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.


The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank

This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.

וַandclauseverbיֵּ֥צֵאhe.went.outsubjectקַ֖יִןCainprepositional phrase · prepositionalprepositional phraseמִfromלִּnoun phraseפְנֵ֣יbeforeיְהוָ֑הYahwehוַandclauseverbיֵּ֥שֶׁבhe.dweltprepositional phrase · prepositionalבְּinnoun phraseאֶֽרֶץthe.landנ֖וֹדof.Nodnoun phrase · adverbialקִדְמַתthe.eastעֵֽדֶןof.Eden

Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.


The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran

The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint agree closely, with nine out of nine words matched. The Samaritan Pentateuch differs by one word, using נד instead of נ֖וֹד, but retains the overall meaning of Cain's exile.

Masoretic TextLeningrad Codex, c. AD 1008 — the text this page is built on

וַיֵּ֥צֵא קַ֖יִן מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּאֶֽרֶץ־ נ֖וֹד קִדְמַת־ עֵֽדֶן׃

Septuagintthe Greek the translators chose, word by word
וַיֵּ֥צֵאἐχῆλθενקַ֖יִןκαινמִלִּפְנֵ֣יπροσώπουיְהוָ֑הθεοῦוַיֵּ֥שֶׁבᾤκησενבְּאֶֽרֶץ־γῇנ֖וֹדναιδקִדְמַת־κατέναντιעֵֽדֶן׃εδεμ

9 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.

Samaritan Pentateuchthe Torah as the Samaritan community kept it

ויצא קין מלפני יהוה וישׁב בארץ נד קדמת עדן

1 word differs from the Masoretic Text: נד (Nod)

Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.


The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with

This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.

Genesis 4:16יָצָאand he wentand he went outיָצָאקַ֫יִןCainCainקַ֫יִןפָּנֶהfrom to beffrom to beforeפָּנֶהיהוהYahwehYahwehיהוהיָשַׁבand he dweland he dweltיָשַׁבאֶ֫רֶץin [the] lain [the] land oאֶ֫רֶץנוֹדNodNodנוֹדקִדְמָה[the] east [the] east ofקִדְמָהעֵ֫דֶןEdenEdenעֵ֫דֶןפָּנָהCorner (GaCorner (Gate)פָּנָההָיָהto beto beהָיָהקַ֫יִןspearspearקַ֫יִןקָנָהto buyto buyקָנָהנוֹדwanderingwanderingנוֹדקֶ֫דֶםfront: easfront: eastקֶ֫דֶםעֵ֫דֶןdelicacydelicacyעֵ֫דֶןקָרָאto encountto encounter: mקָרָאגּוֹרָלallottedallottedגּוֹרָלהֶ֫בֶלAbelAbelהֶ֫בֶלשִׁבְעָתַיִםsevenfoldsevenfoldשִׁבְעָתַיִםסָתַרto hideto hideסָתַרנוּסto fleeto fleeנוּסנְאֻםutteranceutteranceנְאֻםצָבָאarmyarmyצָבָאבֶּ֫טַחsecuritysecurityבֶּ֫טַחכְּנַעֲנִיCanaanitesCanaanitessכְּנַעֲנִיכְּנַ֫עַןCanaanCanaanכְּנַ֫עַן
meets it a little oftener than chancemeets it far oftener than chancebuilt from the same roottwo words of the verse share ita word of this versea related word

Lexicons — every word in Genesis 4:16

One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.

Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.

and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
וַיֵּ֥צֵאvai.Ye.tze' and he went out H3318 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
1,067× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Amplified meaning
to come out, to depart
Tyndale gloss
to come out: come
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָצָא (yatsa') is a Hebrew verb meaning to go or come out, with various applications including departure, escape, and emergence. It can refer to both animate and inanimate subjects and emphasizes the idea of origin or source. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal, Hiphil, and Hophal, indicating actions like leading out or being brought forth.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָצָא 1068 vb. go or come out

Qal

go or come out or forth

from (מִן) a place

go forth from (the presence of) a person

in technical senses

of flight, involving escape

depart

of inanimate things

with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

of children as going forth from loins (of father)

go forth to a place

go forward, proceed to or toward something

come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

of combinations

Hiph.

cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

bring out animals

inanimate obj.

fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

Hoph. be brought forth

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3318 יָצָא go or come out .. go or come out or forth . from (מִן) a place

. go forth from (the presence of) a person

. in technical senses

. of flight, involving escape

. depart

. of inanimate things

. with especial emphasis on idea of origin, source

. of children as going forth from loins (of father)

. . go forth to a place

. go forward, proceed to or toward something

. come or go forth, with esp. ref. to purpose or result

. of combinations

. . cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

. fig. obj. persons, bring out of (מִן) distress, etc.

. bring out animals

. inanimate obj.

. fig. subj. י׳, bring forth from (מִן)

. be brought forth

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3318 yatsa' yaw-tsaw'

a primitive root; to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great

variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct

and proxim.:--X after, appear, X assuredly, bear out, X

begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come

(abroad, out, thereat, without), + be condemned,

depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact,

fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence,

out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out),

going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out,

lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, X

scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring

out, stand out, X still, X surely, take forth (out), at any

time, X to (and fro), utter.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: come.

: come/go_out/escape

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth

יָצָא (ya.tsa) — to come out: send.

: send/take_out/release

1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart

1a2) to go forth (to a place)

1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something)

1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result)

1a5) to come out of

1b) (Hiphil)

1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out

1b2) to bring out of

1b3) to lead out

1b4) to deliver

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
קַ֖יִןKa.yin Cain H7014 Noun proper masculine
19× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Cain was the first child of Adam and Eve, and the first murderer, as told in Genesis. The name also refers to a place and a tribe in Palestine. The word is about a person and a place.
Amplified meaning
the first murderer, son of Adam
Tyndale gloss
Kenite
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

קַ֫יִן (Qayin) refers to both Cain, the eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer, and a tribe associated with Moses' father-in-law, the Kenites. The word encompasses a personal name, a geographical location in southern Judah, and a tribal identity, with connections to the meanings of 'possession' and 'smiths'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

קַ֫יִן n.pr.

gent. tribe of Moses’ father-in-law

loc. in S. Judah

base

קַ֫יִן n.pr.m. Cain, eldest son of Adam and Eve

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H7014a קַ֫יִן . gent. tribe of Moses’ father-in-law

. loc. in S. Judah

H7014b קַ֫יִן Cain, eldest son of Adam and Eve

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

7014 Qayin kah'-yin

the same as 7013 (with a play upon the affinity to 7069);

Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in

Palestine, and of an Oriental tribe:--Cain, Kenite(-s).

see HEBREW for 07013

see HEBREW for 07069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קַ֫יִן (qa.yin) — Kain.

§ Kenite = "smiths"

n pr gent

the tribe from which the father-in-law of Moses was a member and which lived in the area between southern Palestine and the mountains of Sinai

קַ֫יִן (qa.yin) — Cain.

A man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.4.1;

son of: Adam (H0121) and Eve (H2332);

brother of: Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352);

father of: Enoch (H2585)

Also named: Kain (Κάϊν "Cain" G2535)

§ Cain = "possession"

eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer having murdered his brother

קַ֫יִן (qa.yin) — Kenite.

Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19

Group of qe.ni (קֵינִי "Kenite" H7017)

§ Cain = "possession"

eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer having murdered his brother

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper masculine
HNpm
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

kan (qayin, "spear" or "smith," resembling in sound the root qanah, "get," "acquire," Ge 4:1 the Revised Version, margin, but not necessarily derived from that root; Septuagint Kain):

1. The Scripture Narrative:

(1) In Ge 4:1-24 Cain is the first son of Adam and Eve. His birth is hailed as a manifestation of Yahweh's help. He becomes "a tiller of the ground," and brings to Yahweh an offering of the produce of the soil, his brother Abel, the shepherd, bringing at the same time the fat of the first-born of his own flock. From Cain and from his offering Yahweh withholds the sign of acceptance which he grants to Abel. That the ground of this difference of treatment is to be found (so Heb 11:4) in Cain's lack of right disposition toward…

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Cain

A possession; a spear. (1.) The first-born son of Adam and Eve (Gen. 4). He became a tiller of the ground, as his brother Abel followed the pursuits of pastoral life. He was “a sullen, self-willed, haughty, vindictive man; wanting the religious element in his character, and defiant even in his attitude towards God.” It came to pass “in process of time” (marg. “at the end of days”), i.e., probably on the Sabbath, that the two brothers presented their offerings to the Lord. Abel’s offering was of the “firstlings of his flock and of the fat,” while Cain’s was “of the fruit of the ground.” Abel’s sacrifice was “more excellent” (Heb. 11:4) than Cain’s, and was accepted by God. On this account Cain was “very wroth,” and cherished feelings of murderous hatred against his brother, and was at length guilty of the desperate outrage of…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

one of the cities in the low country of Judah, named with Zanoah and Gibeah. (Joshua 15:57)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

The first-born of the human race, Ge 4:1, and the first murderer. See ABEL. His crime was committed against the warnings of God, and he despised the call of God to confession and penitence, Ge 4:6-9. The punishment inflicted upon him included an increase of physical wants and hardships, distress of conscience, banishment from society, and loss of God’s manifested presence and favor, Ge 4:16. But God mingled mercy with judgment; and appointed for Cain some sign that he should not suffer the death penalty he had incurred at the hand of man, thus signifying that God only was his judge. He withdrew into the land of Nod, east of Eden, and built a city that he named Enoch, after one of his sons.

and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
מִלִּפְנֵ֣יmi.lif.Nei from to before H6440 Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
2,127× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Amplified meaning
face, before
Tyndale gloss
face
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces

face, faces

presence, person

technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

face of seraphim

face of animals

face (= surface) of ground

as adv.loc. before

for other phrases

with prepositions

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces

. . presence, person

. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence

. face of seraphim

. face of animals

. face (= surface) of ground

. as adv. loc. before

. for other phrases

. with prepositions

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6440 paniym paw-neem'

plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh

{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);

used in a great variety of applications (literally and

figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a

preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),

against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),

+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,

face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er

time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +

honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +

meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,

open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,

presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right

forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,

X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)

Read the full entry →
Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.

: before/to/front

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.

: face

1) face

1a) face, faces

1b) presence, person

1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)

1d) face (of animals)

1e) face, surface (of ground)

1f) as adv of loc/temp

1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before

1g) with prep

1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | Prep | N-cp — Preposition · preposition · noun common masculine plural construct
HR/R/Ncmpc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
יְהוָ֑הYah.weh Yahweh H3068 Noun proper
6,528× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Amplified meaning
Yehovah, the Lord God
Tyndale gloss
The Lord
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)

יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb

יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D

the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy

יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'

from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish

national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.

see HEBREW for 01961

see HEBREW for 03050

see HEBREW for 03069

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.

Jehovah = "the existing One"

1) the proper name of the one true God

1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.

Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.

Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpt
The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁבvai.Ye.shev and he dwelt H3427 Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
1,079× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Amplified meaning
to dwell, to remain
Tyndale gloss
to dwell
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

יָשַׁב (yashab) is a Hebrew verb meaning to sit, remain, or dwell. It encompasses a range of actions from simply sitting down to more complex ideas like establishing a home or causing a place to be inhabited. The entries indicate various forms, including Qal (to sit), Niphal (to be inhabited), and Hiphil (to cause to dwell). There is an Aramaic equivalent, יְתִב (ye.tiv), meaning 'to dwell'.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

יָשַׁב 1090 vb. sit, remain, dwell

Qal

sit

sit, sit down

sit down

sit = be set (as a jewel)

remain, stay, tarry

with special emphasis of qualifying phr.

dwell, have one’s abode

of a land or city, sit, abide, seated in its place, fig. for be inhabited

Niph. be inhabited, of land

Pi. and they shall set their encampments in thee

Hiph.

cause to sit

cause to abide

cause to dwell

cause cities to be inhabited

marry (prop. give a dwelling to)

Hoph. and ye be made to dwell alone in the midst of the land

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H3427 יָשַׁב sit, remain, dwell

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

3427 yashab yaw-shab'

a primitive root; properly, to sit down (specifically as

judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to

remain; causatively, to settle, to marry:--(make to)

abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease

self, endure, establish, X fail, habitation, haunt, (make to)

inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, X marry(-ing),

(bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(- tle),

(down-)sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate),

take, tarry.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

יָשַׁב (ya.shav) — to dwell.

1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide

1a) (Qal)

1a1) to sit, sit down

1a2) to be set

1a3) to remain, stay

1a4) to dwell, have one's abode

1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited

1c) (Piel) to set, place

1d) (Hiphil)

1d1) to cause to sit

1d2) to cause to abide, set

1d3) to cause to dwell

1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited

1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to)

1e) (Hophal)

1e1) to be inhabited

1e2) to make to dwell

Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singular
Hc/Vqw3ms
and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
בְּאֶֽרֶץ־be.'e.retz- in [the] land of H776 Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
2,504× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Amplified meaning
earth, territory
Tyndale gloss
land: soil
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

אֶ֫רֶץ (erets) is a feminine noun meaning 'earth' or 'land.' It encompasses various meanings, including the whole earth, specific territories like Canaan, and even inhabitants of the land. It can refer to soil, ground, or regions, and is used in phrases related to distance and the living. There is a note on the plural form אֲרָצוֹת, which mainly appears in later texts to denote multiple lands.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land

earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

earth, opp. to heaven, sky

earth = inhabitants of earth

land =

country, territory

district, region

trial territory

piece of ground

specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

= inhabitants of land

used even of Shᵉʼôl

ground, surface of ground

soil, as productive

אֶרֶץ in phrases

people of the land

in measurements of distance

the country of the plain, level or plain country

land of the living

end(s) of the earth

pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H776 אֶ֫רֶץ n. f. & (seld.) m. earth, land . . earth, whole earth (opp. to a part)

. earth, opp. to heaven, sky

. earth = inhabitants of earth

. land = . country, territory

. district, region

. trial territory

. piece of ground

. specif. land of Canaan, or Israel

. = inhabitants of land

. used even of Shᵉʼôl

. . ground, surface of ground

. soil, as productive

. אֶרֶץ in phrases . people of the land

. in measurements of distance

. the country of the plain, level or plain country

. land of the living

. end(s) of the earth

. pl. אֲרָצוֹת is almost wholly late; it denotes lands, countries, often in contrast to Canaan, lands of the nations, etc.

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

776 'erets eh'-rets

from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth

(at large, or partitively a land):--X common, country, earth,

field, ground, land, X natins, way, + wilderness, world.

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: country/planet.

: country/field

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

1b2) district, region

1b3) tribal territory

1b4) piece of ground

1b5) land of Canaan, Israel

1b6) inhabitants of land

1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world

1b8) city (-state)

1c) ground, surface of the earth

1c1) ground

1c2) soil

1d) (in phrases)

1d1) people of the land

1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance)

1d3) level or plain country

1d4) land of the living

1d5) end(s) of the earth

1e) (almost wholly late in usage)

1e1) lands, countries

1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

אֶ֫רֶץ (e.rets) — land: soil.

: soil

1) land, earth

1a) earth

1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part)

1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven)

1a3) earth (inhabitants)

1b) land

1b1) country, territory

Read the full entry →
Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct
HR/Ncfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
נ֖וֹדNod Nod H5113 Noun proper
1× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Nod refers to the land where Cain wandered after killing Abel, described in Genesis as a place of exile. It means a land of wandering. This term is first mentioned in Genesis 4:16.
Amplified meaning
a land of exile, wandering
Tyndale gloss
Nod
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

נוֹד (nod) refers to the land where Cain wandered after murdering Abel. It is associated with the concept of vagrancy and is mentioned in Genesis 4:16. The entries consistently identify it as a proper noun related to Cain's exile.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

נוֹד appar. n.pr.terr. Gn 4:16 of region into which Cain wandered

ref

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5113 נוֹד of region into which Cain wandered

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5113 Nowd node

the same as 5112; vagrancy; Nod, the land of Cain:--Nod.

see HEBREW for 05112

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

נוֹד (nod) — Nod.

§ Nod = ""wandering"

land to which Cain fled or wandered after the murder of Abel

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

nod (nodh): The land of Eden, to which Cain migrated after the murder of his brother and his banishment by Yahweh (Ge 4:16). Conjecture is useless as to the region intended. The ideas of China, India, etc., which some have entertained, are groundless. The territory was evidently at some distance, but where is now undiscoverable.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Nod

Exile; wandering; unrest, a name given to the country to which Cain fled (Gen.4:16). It lay on the east of Eden.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

(flight), the land to which Cain fled after the murder of Abel. [CAIN]

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

Wandering, a region east of Eden so named on account of wanderings in it of the exiled Cain, Ge 4:16.

and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
קִדְמַת־kid.mat- [the] east of H6926 Noun common · feminine singular construct
4× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
The east direction or something that is in front, like in the book of Matthew where it describes the Magi coming from the east. It can also mean something is old or ancient, such as the city of Jerusalem.
Amplified meaning
on the east side, toward the rising sun
Tyndale gloss
east
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word קִדְמָה (*qidmah*) is a feminine noun meaning 'front' or 'east.' It is derived from a related word and can refer to the forward part or direction, often used adverbially to indicate location. The entries highlight its meanings related to direction and position, but do not present any significant disagreements.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

[קִדְמָה] n.f. front, East

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H6926 קִדְמָה front, East

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

6926 qidmah kid-maw'

feminine of 6924; the forward part (or relatively) East

(often adverbially, on the east or in front):--east(-ward).

see HEBREW for 06924

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

קִדְמָה (qid.mah) — east.

1) forward, front, east, antiquity, East

1a) in front of, over against, front

1b) on the east of, east

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular construct
HNcfsc
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

ov:

(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.

English usagewhat the translators’ English meant
Webster's Dictionary (1828), Webster's Unabridged (1913), Webster's Dictionary (1806)

OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]

1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.

I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.

For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.

Lamentations 3:1.

The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.

Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.

That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.

Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…

The company it keepswords that stand beside it more often than chance
and he went out Cain from to before Yahweh and he dwelt in [the] land of Nod [the] east of Eden
עֵֽדֶן׃'E.den Eden H5731 Noun proper
16× in the OT scale is logarithmic — the commonest word, אֵת, appears about 11,000×
In plain English
Meaning
Eden refers to the garden where Adam and Eve lived, a place of pleasure and beauty. It is also the name of a person who lived during the Divided Monarchy. The word means pleasure in Hebrew.
Amplified meaning
the garden of pleasure, paradise
Tyndale gloss
Eden
Hebrew lexiconskeyed to Strong's numbers
Layman’s summary of all Lexicon entries.generated

The Hebrew word עֵ֫דֶן (*Eden*) refers to both a geographical region, identified as the home of Adam and Eve, and a Levite name found in 2 Chronicles 29:12 and 31:15. The term is associated with the meaning 'pleasure.' The entries highlight its dual use as a place and a personal name, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.

Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (full)

עֵ֫דֶן n.pr.m. Levite name 2 Ch 29:12 (𝔊 Ιω(α)δαν), 31:15 (𝔊 Οδαμ, 𝔊L Ιαδαν).

done

עֵ֫דֶן n.pr.terr. (prob. associated by Heb. with I. עֵ֫דֶן);—district in which lay garden of י׳, home of Adam and Eve

base

Brown-Driver-Briggs glosses

H5731a עֵ֫דֶן Levite name H5731b עֵ֫דֶן n. pr. terr. (prob. associated by Heb. with I. עֵ֫דֶן);—district in which lay garden of י׳, home of Adam and Eve

Strong's Hebrew Dictionary

5731 `Eden ay'-den

the same as 5730 (masculine); Eden, the region of Adam's

home:--Eden.

see HEBREW for 05730

Translators Brief Hebrew Lexicon

עֵ֫דֶן (e.den) — Eden.

A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.29.12;

son of: Joah (H3098L)

§ Eden= "pleasure"

a Gershonite Levite, son of Joah in the days of king Hezekiah of Judah

עֵ֫דֶן (e.den) — Eden.

§ Eden= "pleasure"

the first habitat of man after the creation

עֵ֫דֶן (e.den) — Eden.

A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ch.31.15

§ Eden= "pleasure"

the first habitat of man after the creation

Morphologythe parsing behind the code
Berean parsing
N-proper — Noun proper
HNpl
Bible dictionarieson the English sense
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

e'-d'-n (`edhen, "delight"; Edem):

(1) The land in which "Yahweh God planted a garden," where upon his creation "he put the man whom he had formed" (Ge 2:8).

In the Assyrian inscriptions idinu (Accadian, edin) means "plain" and it is from this that the Biblical word is probably derived. Following are the references to Eden in the Bible, aside from those in Ge 2 and 3: Ge 4:16; Isa 51:3; Eze 28:13; 31:9,16,18; 36:35; Joe 2:3. The Garden of Eden is said to be "eastward, in Eden" Ge (2:8); where the vegetation was luxurious (2:9) and the fig tree indigenous (3:7), and where it was watered by irrigation.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Eden

Delight. (1.) The garden in which our first parents dewlt (Gen. 2:8-17). No geographical question has been so much discussed as that bearing on its site. It has been placed in Armenia, in the region west of the Caspian Sea, in Media, near Damascus, in Palestine, in Southern Arabia, and in Babylonia. The site must undoubtedly be sought for somewhere along the course of the great streams the Tigris and the Euphrates of Western Asia, in “the land of Shinar” or Babylonia. The region from about lat. 33 degrees 30’ to lat. 31 degrees, which is a very rich and fertile tract, has been by the most competent authorities agreed on as the probable site of Eden. “It is a region where streams abound, where they divide and re-unite, where alone in the Mesopotamian tract can be found the phenomenon of a single river parting into four arms, each…

Smith's Bible Dictionary

A Gershonite Levite, son of Joah, in the days of Hezekiah. (2 Chronicles 29:12) (B.C. 727.) Also a Levite, probably identical with the preceding. (2 Chronicles 31:15)

American Tract Society Bible Dictionary

A province in Asia, in which was Paradise. "The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed," Ge 2:8. The topography of Eden is thus described: "And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. The name of the first is Pison," etc.

This obscure passage has received many different explanations and applications, none of which are fully satisfactory; and now it is impossible to say with certainty where Eden lay. Most writers have sought for it in some elevated and central region, the heights of which would give rise to various rivers flowing off in different directions through lower grounds to their outlets. Such a region exists in the high lands of Armenia, west of Mount Ararat and 5,000 feet above the sea. Here, within a circle but a…

Sources on this page. Lexicons and dictionaries imported from the CrossWire SWORD modules — Abbott-Smith, Strong's, Dodson, the Intermediate Liddell-Scott-Jones, Robinson and Packard, Webster and Cawdrey. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (Harper, 1889 — Grimm’s Wilke’s Clavis Novi Testamenti, translated, revised and enlarged by Joseph Henry Thayer) is public domain and is set here from the Internet Archive page scan greekenglishlex00grim; it is uncorrected OCR, marked as such on the entry itself, and the Strong’s numbers — which Thayer’s own edition does not carry — were matched by lemma against the other modules on this page. Trench’s Synonyms of the New Testament (Macmillan, 1880) and Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary of the Greek Testament (Hodder & Stoughton, 1930, which entered the United States public domain on 1 January 2026) are set from Internet Archive page scans synonymsofnewtes00treniala and vocabularyofgree00mouluoft, and are likewise uncorrected OCR matched to Strong’s numbers by lemma. Trench treats a group of words at once, so the same essay stands on the page of each word it compares. The Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary is © 1993 and is used here by permission for non-commercial use, www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary. The full Liddell-Scott-Jones and the Hebrew word data (TAHOT) come from STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0. Brown-Driver-Briggs is the OpenScriptures digitisation, public domain. Syntax analysis is the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (biblicalhumanities.org); the concordance and morphology are built from the tagged Nestle 1904 text. Septuagint occurrences use the Open Scriptures Septuagint lemma index, derived from CCAT (University of Pennsylvania) and the Rahlfs 1935 dataset by Eliran Wong, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — used here on a non-commercial ministry site. Greek of Josephus and Barnabas from the Perseus Digital Library, CC BY-SA 4.0. Commentaries and the Ante-Nicene Fathers are public-domain texts hosted on this site. Everyday Greek from the Duke Databank of Documentary Papyri, CC BY 3.0, with dates and provenance from the Heidelberger Gesamtverzeichnis. Philo and the Apostolic Fathers from Open Greek and Latin (First1KGreek), CC BY-SA 4.0. The apparatus and the fifth Greek column are the SBL Greek New Testament, © 2010 SBL and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0. The Latin is the Clementine Vulgate (public domain); the Syriac New Testament is the ETCBC edition (MIT licence). The Hebrew behind the Greek is computed here from the Septuagint index and TAHOT, not taken from any aligned edition. The translation spread and the per-word edition marks come from the Translators Amalgamated Greek NT (STEPBible, CC BY 4.0); clause roles from the Nestle 1904 Lowfat treebank (CC BY-SA 4.0); place identifications and their confidence from OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding (CC BY 4.0), with map tiles © OpenStreetMap contributors. Gospel parallels are computed here from shared uncommon vocabulary, not taken from any printed harmony. Cross references are the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and the subject headings are Nave’s Topical Bible, both public domain. Works under Creative Commons licences are used unchanged apart from markup removal.

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