Genesis 4:3-13

3 Time passed. Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm.

4 Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. God liked Abel and his offering,

5 but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.

6 God spoke to Cain: "Why this tantrum? Why the sulking?

7 If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it."

8 Cain had words with his brother. They were out in the field; Cain came at Abel his brother and killed him.

9 God said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "How should I know? Am I his babysitter?"

10 God said, "What have you done! The voice of your brother's blood is calling to me from the ground.

11 From now on you'll get nothing but curses from this ground; you'll be driven from this ground that has opened its arms to receive the blood of your murdered brother.

12 You'll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You'll be a homeless wanderer on Earth."

13 Cain said to God, "My punishment is too much. I can't take it!

Genesis 4:3-13 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.