Genesis 4:10

Cain and Abel · Genesis 4:1–16
Read Genesis 4

Translations

Modern
“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
Traditional
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
Literal
And He said, “What have you done? The voice of the bloods of your brother is crying out to Me from the ground!
Latin
Dixitque ad eum: Quid fecisti? vox sanguinis fratris tui clamat ad me de terra.

Original

Hebrew
English
“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.

Notes

  • What have you done?: This is more an expression of horror and blame than a question seeking answers (see 3:13).

  • Abel’s blood acts as a legal witness that accuses Cain of a crime.

  • from the ground: See study note on 4:11–12.

Events

Parallels

Hebrews 11:4

Glossary

Banish, Banishment Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Bloodguilt Cain (Person) Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) City Earth Eve Genesis, Book of Lamech Land Marriage, Marriage Customs Mesopotamia Patriarchs, Period of the Woman

Topics

Abel: Son of Adam--History of Burial: Probable Origin of Cain: Son of Adam: Jealousy and Crime of Escape: None, from the Judgments of God Homicide: Felonious, or Murder Murder: Cries for Vengeance Murder: Represented As a Sin Crying to Heaven My Brother's Keeper Sin: Fruits of Sin: Known to God Taking a Life Types of Christ: Abel Types of the Saviour: Abel Will: The Mental Faculty: Freedom of, Recognized by God