קַ֫יִן (qa.yin)
qa.yin
Kain; Cain; Kenite
N:N-M-PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-PG
Word Overview
The name qayin refers to two distinct figures in Scripture: the first son of Adam and Eve, and a member of the Kenite tribe. As a personal name for Cain, it is traditionally linked to the Hebrew verb qanah, meaning "to acquire" or "possess." This connection appears in Genesis 4:1, where Eve declares she has acquired a man with the help of the Lord, framing his birth as a significant divine provision.
The same word also identifies the Kenites, a group associated with metalworking who lived between southern Palestine and Mount Sinai. The tribe is notable for its close ties to Moses’ family; Jethro, often identified as Hobab or Heber, was a Kenite priest. This dual usage highlights how a single term can denote both a pivotal individual in human history and a distinct community known for their craft.
Translators render qayin as "Cain" in the patriarchal narratives and as "Kenite" when referring to the tribe. The lexical data emphasizes this distinction, noting that while the names are identical in Hebrew, they refer to separate lineages with different roles in the biblical text. One represents the beginning of human violence, while the other represents a faithful ally to Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Cain appears in Genesis when Eve says she has acquired a man with the Lord’s help. This moment marks the beginning of human history outside Eden, showing that God is present even in our most difficult struggles. The story reminds us that our choices matter deeply and that God hears our cries, even when we feel far from Him.
Later, the same name refers to the Kenites, a group known for their skill with metal. They remained faithful allies to Israel and Moses’ family, showing that God uses people from all backgrounds to advance His purposes. This contrast between violence and faithfulness invites us to reflect on how we treat others and where we place our trust.
Whether you are facing conflict or seeking purpose, this word highlights God’s grace in unexpected places. It encourages us to look beyond surface differences and recognize the potential for good in every person and community.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cain12×
- to/ Cain1×
- from/ [the] Kenite[s]1×
- for/ Cain1×
- and/ Cain1×
- [the] Kenite[s]1×
- <the>/ Kain1×
- <of> Cain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קָ֑יִן3×
- קַ֖יִן3×
- קַ֔יִן3×
- לְ/קַ֙יִן֙2×
- קָֽיִן\׃1×
- קַ֥יִן1×
- קַ֜יִן1×
- קַ֛יִן1×
- קַ֙יִן֙1×
- מִ/קַּ֔יִן1×
- וְ/קַ֕יִן1×
- הַ/קַּ֖יִן1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 4:1
The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with Yahweh’s help.”
Eve names Cain after acquiring him with Yahweh’s help, linking the name to divine provision.
-
Genesis 4:8
Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.
Cain kills Abel in the field, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked anger.
-
Genesis 4:15
Yahweh said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.
God places a protective sign on Cain, showing mercy even toward the first murderer.
-
Judges 4:11
Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.
Heber the Kenite is identified as a distinct group allied with Moses’ family, highlighting faithfulness among outsiders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Cain mean?
Is Cain the same as the Kenites?
Why does God protect Cain after he kills Abel?
Who were the Kenites?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 4 books)
Genesis 13 verses
The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with Yahweh’s help.”
Genesis 4:2Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
Genesis 4:3As time passed, Cain brought an offering to Yahweh from the fruit of the ground.
Genesis 4:5but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.
Genesis 4:6Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?
Genesis 4:8Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his…
Genesis 4:9Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Genesis 4:13Cain said to Yahweh, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Genesis 4:15Yahweh said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Yahweh appointed a sign…
Genesis 4:16Cain left Yahweh’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
Genesis 4:17Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and named the city after the name of his…
Genesis 4:24If Cain will be avenged seven times, truly Lamech seventy-seven times.”
Genesis 4:25Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “for God has given me another child…