Genesis 4:11

Listen to Genesis 4:11
11 And now 1you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

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.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

Genesis 4:11 In-Context

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother? ” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper? ”
10 And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.
11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.
12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. ”
13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 4:11 Deut. 27:24; [Num. 35:33]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025