Genesis 4:6

6 Then the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

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 And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD looked upon Abel and his present,

5 but he did not look upon Cain and his present. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

6 Then the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

7 If thou doest good, it shall certainly be accepted; and if thou doest not good, sin lies at the door. And his desire shall be unto thee, but thou must rule over him.

8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him.