Lexical Summary Nod: Nod Original Word: נוֹד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nod The same as nowd; vagrancy; Nod, the land of Cain -- Nod. see HEBREW nowd NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nud Definition a region into which Cain wandered NASB Translation Nod (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. נוֺד apparently proper name, of a territory ׳ארץנֿ Genesis 4:16 of region into which Cain wandered (compare Genesis 4:12; Genesis 4:14); ᵐ5 (strangely) Ναιδ; ᵑ9 appellative, profugus in terra, compare Symm Theod, see NeMarg. 9. Topical Lexicon Translational Renderings Most English versions, including the Berean Standard Bible, render נוֹד (Nod) simply as “Nod,” describing it as “the land of Nod” (Genesis 4:16). The noun is related to a Semitic root that conveys restlessness and wandering, concepts that frame its theological weight. Contextual Setting in Genesis Genesis 4:16 records Cain’s departure: “Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden”. The note that Nod lies “east of Eden” echoes Adam and Eve’s expulsion (Genesis 3:24), intensifying the motif of progressive alienation when sin is unrepented. Nod is thus not merely a geographic locality but the narrative marker of Cain’s status as a fugitive and wanderer (Genesis 4:12). Theological Themes 1. Separation from Divine Presence Cain’s relocation underscores the grievous consequence of sin: displacement from intimate fellowship with God. Nod becomes emblematic of life lived “out from the presence of the LORD,” contrasting sharply with later covenantal promises of God dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8; Revelation 21:3). Scripture presents God’s rest as the ideal for humanity (Genesis 2:2-3; Hebrews 4:9-11). Nod, however, symbolizes perpetual motion without destination, an antithesis of Sabbath peace. Movement eastward in Genesis often signals judgment and exile (Genesis 3:24; 11:2; 13:11). Nod fits this pattern, anticipating Israel’s later exiles yet also foreshadowing God’s redemptive intent to gather the scattered (Isaiah 11:12; Ezekiel 34:12-13). Geographical and Cultural Considerations No definitive extra-biblical location has been identified. The narrative employs “Nod” less as cartographic detail and more as a theological portrait. Ancient readers would have recognized in the name and its etymology a symbolic commentary on Cain’s condition, not unlike the naming of Ichabod (“no glory,” 1 Samuel 4:21). Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Confronting Sin’s Trajectory Pastoral teaching can use Nod to illustrate that hidden or minimized sin inevitably drives one further from God’s presence and people (James 1:14-15). Though Cain settles in Nod, Scripture later testifies that even exiles may return through repentance (Joel 2:12-13; Luke 15:20). Nod sets the stage for proclaiming reconciliation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). Modern restlessness—evident in addiction, consumerism, or purposelessness—reflects the spirit of Nod. Discipleship directs believers to find rest in Jesus, who invites the weary (Matthew 11:28-30). Christological Connections Cain’s exile highlights humanity’s need for a righteous Brother. Jesus, “the mediator of a new covenant” (Hebrews 12:24), reverses the curse of wandering by becoming Himself “the way” back to the Father (John 14:6). Where Cain shed a brother’s blood and was driven to Nod, Jesus sheds His own blood to bring many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10). Application for the Church Today • Preach against the deceitfulness of sin that lures believers toward spiritual Nod. Related Biblical Imagery Psalm 119:176 pictures the wandering sheep sought by the Shepherd, paralleling Cain’s flight but pointing to divine pursuit. Isaiah 57:20-21 depicts the restless sea, resonating with Nod’s motif of unrest. Revelation 22:1-5 closes Scripture with the final reversal: no more curse, no more exile, perfect rest in God’s city—far from the land of Nod. Forms and Transliterations נ֖וֹד נוד nō·wḏ Nod nōwḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 4:16 HEB: וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּאֶֽרֶץ־ נ֖וֹד קִדְמַת־ עֵֽדֶן׃ NAS: in the land of Nod, east KJV: in the land of Nod, on the east INT: and settled the land of Nod east of Eden |
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