Genesis 4:12-23

12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won't yield its strength to you. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the eretz."

13 Kayin said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.

14 Behold, you have driven me out this day from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the eretz. It will happen that whoever finds me will kill me."

15 The LORD said to him, "Therefore whoever slays Kayin, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold." the LORD appointed a sign for Kayin, lest any finding him should strike him.

16 Kayin went out from the LORD's presence, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of `Eden.

17 Kayin knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Hanokh. He built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Hanokh.

18 To Hanokh was born `Irad. `Irad became the father of Mechuya'el. Mechuya'el became the father of Metusha'el. Metusha'el became the father of Lamekh.

19 Lamekh took two wives: the name of the one was `Adah, and the name of the other Tzillah.

20 `Adah gave birth to Yaval, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have cattle.

21 His brother's name was Yuval, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe.

22 Tzillah also gave birth to Tuval-Kayin, the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. Tuval-Kayin's sister was Na`amah.

23 Lamekh said to his wives, "`Adah and Tzillah, Hear my voice, You wives of Lamekh, listen to my speech, For I have slain a man for wounding me, A young man for bruising me.

Genesis 4:12-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 4

In this chapter an account is given of the two eldest children of Adam and Eve, their names and calling, Ge 4:1,2 and of their different offerings to the Lord, and the different respect had unto them by him, which in Cain issued in wrath and envy, which appeared in his countenance, and were taken notice of by the Lord, and about which he reasoned with him, Ge 4:3-7 but it had no effect upon him, he murdered his brother, upon which he was examined about him, but denied he knew anything of him where he was, Ge 4:8,9 he is arraigned, convicted and condemned, sentence passed upon him, and that executed, which he complains of, and is mitigated, or however a protection is granted him, and a mark set on him for his security, Ge 4:10-15 after which we have an account of his posterity for several generations, their names, and the business of some of them, Ge 4:16-24 and the chapter is closed with the birth of another son, and of a grandson to Adam and Eve, in whose days was the beginning of social religion.