Genesis 4:6

6 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face?

Genesis 4:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 4:6

And the Lord said unto Cain, why art thou wroth? and why is
thy countenance fallen?
&c.] Which was said not as being ignorant of his wrath and resentment, but to bring him to a conviction of his sin or sins, which were the cause of God's rejecting his sacrifice, and to repentance and amendment; and to show him that he had no cause to be displeased, either with him or his brother, for the different treatment of him and his offering; since the fault lay in himself, and he had none to blame but his own conduct, which for the future he should take care to regulate according to the divine will, and things would take a different turn.

Genesis 4:6 In-Context

4 Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering. The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering,
5 but he rejected Cain and his offering. Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger.
6 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face?
7 If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it."
8 Then Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out in the fields." When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.