Genesis 4:15

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

Translations

Modern
“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.
Traditional
And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.
Literal
And YHWH said to him, “Not so; anyone who kills Cain, sevenfold shall vengeance be taken on him.” And YHWH set on Cain a mark, lest anyone finding him should slay him.
Latin
Dixitque ei Dominus: Nequaquam ita fiet: sed omnis qui occiderit Cain, septuplum punietur. Posuitque Dominus Cain signum, ut non interficeret eum omnis qui invenisset eum.

Original

Hebrew
English
“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.

Notes

  • Sevenfold punishment was the full weight of justice. Cain complained that his punishment was too harsh. But the severe sentence for anyone who killed Cain shows how gracious the Lord was to him. Cain deserved death (see 9:5–6).

  • The mark graciously provided protection to Cain after God's judgment (compare 3:21).

Events

Parallels

Hebrews 11:4

People

Cain: Adam and Eve's firstborn son, killed his brother Abel

Glossary

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

Topics

Abel: Son of Adam--History of Avenger of Blood: Cain Fears Cain: Son of Adam: Jealousy and Crime of Curse: Denounced: Against Cain Homicide: Punishment of Homicide: The Punishment of Murderers: Cain Judgments: Cain Murder: Punishment of Prayer: Answered: Cain Token: The Mark of Cain