The Meaning and Function of יָדַע (“To Know”) in Genesis 4:1

Introduction to Genesis 4:1

Genesis 4:1 describes the conception and birth of Qayin (Cain), the first recorded human birth in the Bible. The verse begins with the phrase וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם יָדַ֖ע אֶת־חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתֹּ֑ו (“And the man knew Chavvah his wife”), using the Hebrew verb יָדַע (yada‘), which commonly means “to know” but here implies sexual intimacy.

The verse consists of:

1. The subject-action phrase וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם יָדַ֖ע (“And the man knew”), marking a euphemistic expression for marital relations.
2. The result of this union וַתַּ֨הַר֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד (“And she conceived and bore”), describing the birth of Qayin.
3. Chavvah’s declaration קָנִ֥יתִי אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה (“I have acquired a man with the LORD”), which is theologically significant in its ambiguity.

This study will analyze the semantic range of יָדַע, its usage as a euphemism for sexual relations, and its theological significance in the context of procreation.

וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם יָדַ֖ע אֶת־חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתֹּ֑ו וַתַּ֨הַר֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד אֶת־קַ֔יִן וַתֹּ֕אמֶר קָנִ֥יתִי אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה׃

Analysis of Key Words/Phrases

1. וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם (veha’adam)
   • Root: אָדָם (“man, humanity”)
   • Form: Definite noun with conjunction וְ (“and”)
   • Translation: “And the man”
   • Function: Refers to Adam as a specific individual rather than mankind in general.
2. יָדַ֖ע (yada‘)
   • Root: יָדַע (“to know”)
   • Form: Qal perfect 3rd masculine singular
   • Translation: “Knew”
   • Function: Serves as a euphemism for sexual relations, signifying intimacy beyond physical knowledge.
3. אֶת־חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתֹּ֑ו (et-ḥavvah ishto)
   • Root: חַוָּה (“Chavvah, Eve”)
   • Form: Definite direct object with possessive noun (“his wife”)
   • Translation: “Chavvah, his wife”
   • Function: Emphasizes both the personal and marital relationship.
4. וַתַּ֨הַר֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד (vattahar vatteled)
   • Root: הָרָה (“to conceive”), יָלַד (“to give birth”)
   • Form: Qal consecutive imperfect 3rd feminine singular
   • Translation: “And she conceived and bore”
   • Function: Sequential actions leading to childbirth.
5. קָנִ֥יתִי אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה (qaniti ish et-YHWH)
   • Root: קָנָה (“to acquire, create”)
   • Form: Qal perfect 1st person singular (“I have acquired”)
   • Translation: “I have acquired a man with the LORD”
   • Function: Expresses a theological interpretation of childbirth.

Explanation of Grammatical Function

The Semantic Range of יָדַע (“To Know”)

In most biblical contexts, יָדַע means “to know” in the intellectual or experiential sense.

In Genesis 4:1, יָדַע functions as a euphemism for sexual relations, preserving modesty in Hebrew discourse.

This use occurs elsewhere, e.g., Genesis 19:5 (“bring them out so we may know them”).

The Connection Between “Knowing” and Covenant Relationship

The verb יָדַע is used of deep relational knowledge, including divine-human relationships (Jeremiah 1:5, Amos 3:2).

This suggests that the biblical perspective on marriage includes relational and spiritual intimacy.

The Meaning of קָנִ֥יתִי אִ֖ישׁ אֶת־יְהוָֽה (“I Have Acquired a Man with the LORD”)

The verb קָנָה (“to acquire”) implies possession or divine partnership in creation.

The phrase אֶת־יְהוָֽה is ambiguous:

• “With the help of the LORD” (instrumental reading) → Suggests divine aid in childbirth.
• “For the LORD” (possessive reading) → Implies that Qayin is dedicated to God.
• “A man—the LORD” (messianic reading) → Some early interpretations saw this as Eve’s hope for a redeemer.

Theological Implications of Genesis 4:1

1. The Sacredness of Marital UnionThe use of יָדַע instead of direct terminology reflects Hebrew reverence for marriage.
2. God’s Role in Human ProcreationChavvah’s statement acknowledges divine participation in life-giving.
3. The Concept of Ownership and Destiny in NamesThe name Qayin (“Cain”) is related to קָנָה (“acquire”), reflecting Eve’s sense of divine purpose.

The Function of יָדַע as a Theological and Relational Verb

Genesis 4:1 demonstrates the layered meaning of יָדַע, which conveys intimacy, covenant relationship, and divine-human interaction. The syntax of the verse underscores a movement from union to creation, linking marriage, birth, and divine providence.

Thus, this verse serves as both a grammatical model of Hebrew euphemistic expressions and a theological reflection on God’s involvement in human life.