Genesis 4:1 - Firstborn: Divine gift or human pride?

The Birth of Kayin

The verse states: "And the man knew Ḥavva his wife; and she conceived, and bore Qayin, saying, I have acquired a manchild from the Lord" (Bereshit 4:1). This passage marks the first recorded birth in the Torah and carries deep significance in Jewish tradition.

Ḥavva's Declaration: "Kaniti Ish Et Hashem"

Ḥavva's proclamation, "Kaniti Ish Et Hashem" ("I have acquired a manchild from the Lord"), is interpreted in various ways by our Sages:

• Rashi explains that Ḥavva believed Kayin was the promised "seed" who would crush the serpent (as hinted in Bereshit 3:15), and that he would be a man of God. However, she later realized her mistake when Kayin became a murderer.
• Ibn Ezra suggests that Ḥavva attributed her childbearing to divine assistance, acknowledging that only through Hashem's help could she bear a child.
• Ramban notes that the term "Kaniti" implies acquisition, indicating that Ḥavva saw Kayin as a divine gift, recognizing that children are a blessing from Hashem.

The Name "Kayin"

The name Kayin (קַיִן) derives from the root ק.נ.ה, meaning "to acquire." Our Sages discuss why Ḥavva chose this name:

• Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (22:2) states that Ḥavva said, "I have acquired (kaniti) a man with Hashem," implying partnership in creation—just as Hashem created Adam, so too did she and Adam participate in creating Kayin.
• Sforno emphasizes that Ḥavva recognized Kayin as the first human born naturally, distinguishing him from Adam, who was created directly by Hashem.

The Concept of "Yedi'ah" (Knowledge)

The verse begins with "And the man knew (yada) Ḥavva his wife", using the term "yedi'ah" to describe marital intimacy. The Torah often uses this language to signify a deep, covenantal bond:

• Talmud (Sotah 2a) teaches that marriage is predestined by Heaven, and the term "yedi'ah" reflects the sacred union intended for building a family.
• Maharal (Gur Aryeh) explains that "yedi'ah" denotes a complete connection, as intimacy is not merely physical but also spiritual, leading to the creation of new life.

Lessons for Jewish Life

From this verse, we derive fundamental Jewish values:

• Gratitude to Hashem: Ḥavva’s declaration teaches us to acknowledge that children are a divine gift (as in Tehillim 127:3).
• Sacredness of Marriage: The Torah’s language elevates marital intimacy as a holy act when performed within the framework of mitzvot.
• Parental Responsibility: Despite Ḥavva’s initial hopes for Kayin, the later narrative reminds us that raising righteous children requires ongoing effort and divine guidance.