Genesis 4:3-13

3 And it was so after some time that Cain brought of the fruits of the earth a sacrifice to the Lord.

4 And Abel also brought of the first born of his sheep and of his fatlings, and God looked upon Abel and his gifts,

5 but Cain and his sacrifices he regarded not, and Cain was exceedingly sorrowful and his countenance fell.

6 And the Lord God said to Cain, Why art thou become very sorrowful and why is thy countenance fallen?

7 Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him.

8 And Cain said to Abel his brother, Let us go out into the plain; and it came to pass that when they were in the plain Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 And the Lord God said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? and he said, I know not, am I my brother's keeper?

10 And the Lord said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood cries to me out of the ground.

11 And now thou cursed from the earth which has opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand.

12 When thou tillest the earth, then it shall not continue to give its strength to thee: thou shalt be groaning and trembling on the earth.

13 And Cain said to the Lord God, My crime too great for me to be forgiven.

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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Gr. after days.
• [b]. Gr. he also.