How does city develop through the rest of Scripture?

The city of man (Genesis 4), culminating in Babel, is contrasted with the city Abraham sought 'whose builder and maker is God' (Hebrews 11:10), fulfilled in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2).

All First Mentions

Law of First Mention

Where Does the Bible First Mention City?

Q: Where does the Bible first mention city?

The Bible first mentions city in Genesis 4:17, using the original word ir (עיר). Cain builds the first city—human civilization begins east of Eden, marked from the start by both achievement and alienation from God.

The Bible first mentions city in Genesis 4:17, from the original word ir (עיר). Cain builds the first city—human civilization begins east of Eden, marked from the start by both achievement and alienation from God.

The Seed of Everything That Follows

Scripture's first city is built by an exile; its last city comes down from God.

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