Genesis 4:17: Exploring Cain's Wife: Unraveling a Biblical Mystery

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Podcast

Welcome to the latest episode of Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. This is the third episode of a four-part series focusing on the perplexing figure of Cain and today, we address a frequently asked question: where did Cain find his wife?

The issue of Cain’s wife might seem trivial, but it actually presents an intriguing enigma. If we assume that Adam and Eve were the first and only humans created by God, who then bore Cain and Abel, there should not have been any other women for Cain to marry. So where did she come from? The narrative of Genesis 4:17 establishes that Cain had sexual relations with a wife, but offers no explanation beyond that, leaving many readers puzzled.

We discuss various theories to explain this anomaly, ranging from the possibility that Cain married a close relative like a sister or niece, to the theory that there existed a separate population from which he could choose a wife. We delve into scholarship of interrelated marriage and shed light on the original Hebrew meaning of 'wife'. We also explore fascinating theories like the Strattonian model which accommodates the story of Cain within an evolutionary framework.

Through detailed analysis and thought-provoking discussion, this episode challenges common preconceptions and encourages you to approach biblical mysteries with an open, inquisitive mind. Join us on this journey of discovery as we unravel the complexities of this ancient text and strive for a deeper understanding of its teachings.

Whether you agree or disagree with our conclusions, our goal is to challenge you to think critically about the Bible and engage with it in a new and meaningful way. We invite you to share your thoughts and join the conversation at our website or via email. Remember to subscribe, like, and leave a review on your podcast platform of choice. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!

Show Notes:

References to items discussed on this podcast may found at the following:

1. https://a.co/d/7shn4hI (The Big Book of Bible Difficulties from Amazon)
2. https://a.co/d/1MWGSGM (New Revised Standard Version Bible)
3. https://crossexamined.org/evolution-true-happen-adam-eve/
4. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/josh-swamidass-in-christianity-today
5. https://www.reasonablefaith.org/media/reasonable-faith-podcast/questions-on-the-trinity-neanderthals-and-gravity
6. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/cain/creation-basics/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwtqmwBhBVEiwAL-WAYVQRbUGOIZMIuj1aI-WA5xln61Ao-4m5EhZyK88b3VDTJiT_JCkqhRoC3BMQAvD_BwE
7. https://www.catholic.com/qa/why-incest-in-genesis-was-ok?_gl=1*nrm2t6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAyMTQ5NzQ1NS4xNzEyMDczMzgx*_ga_C1P2JNZ1YB*MTcxMjA3MzM4MC4xLjAuMTcxMjA3MzM4MC4wLjAuMA
8. https://answersingenesis.org/bible-characters/cain/cains-wife-who-was-she/