Genesis 4:17 reads “And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bore Enoch: and he built a city and called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.”

Though the meaning of the name “Enoch” is debated, Enoch is of Hebrew origin and it generally means ‘dedicated’. ‘Experienced’ and ‘trained’ are other meanings attributed to the name Enoch. Now why is it important to understand the meaning of the name ‘Enoch’? This Enoch, was the son of Cain, the unrepenting murderer and liar who was cursed to be a fugitive and wanderer. God had commanded Adam and Eve to multiply and subdue the earth, not just one place (Genesis 1:28), but by building a city, Cain was once again being disobedient to God’s command. He was seeking rest and satisfaction by settling in one place – a place called ‘dedicated’ ironically.

Points to ponder:
Those who willfully disobey God are cursed and they seek solace here below on Earth, but those who are dedicated to God look forward to settling in a city whose builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). Where are you seeking your solace and satisfaction – here on the earth or in the dedicated city whose builder and maker is God?

Genesis 4:17 (KJV)
17 And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

Hebrews 11:10 (KJV)
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.