Genesis 4:11

11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood at your hands.

Genesis 4:11 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 4:11

And now [art] thou cursed from the earth
From receiving benefit by it, and enjoying the fruits of it as before, and from having a settled dwelling in it, as is afterwards explained: which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy
hand;
the blood of his brother, which was shed by his own hand, was received and sucked into the earth, where it was spilt, through the pores of it, and drank up and covered, so as not to be seen; in which it was as it were more humane to Abel, and as it were more ashamed of the crime, and shuddered more, and expressed more horror at it, than Cain.

Genesis 4:11 In-Context

9 ADONAI said to Kayin, "Where is Hevel your brother?"And he replied, "I don't know; am I my brother's guardian?"
10 He said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!
11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood at your hands.
12 When you farm the ground it will no longer yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive, wandering the earth."
13 Kayin said to ADONAI, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.