Genesis 4:14

KJV

Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold, thou hast driven me out {H1644} this day {H3117} from the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}; and from {H5921} thy face {H6440} shall I be hid {H5641}; and I shall be a fugitive {H5128} and a vagabond {H5110} in the earth {H776}; and it shall come to pass {H1961}, that every one that findeth me {H4672} shall slay me {H2026}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are banning me today from the land and from your presence. I will be a fugitive wandering the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

Berean Standard Bible

Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

American Standard Version

Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the ground; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it will come to pass, that whosoever findeth me will slay me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:14 records Cain's desperate lament following God's judgment for Abel's murder, articulating his profound fear of physical expulsion from the land, spiritual alienation from God's protective presence, and the terrifying prospect of a life as a restless wanderer perpetually vulnerable to retributive violence. This verse powerfully portrays the immediate and isolating consequences of unconfessed sin, revealing the breakdown of human security and the psychological torment that accompanies a fallen state.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Cain's anguished response to the divine pronouncement of judgment for the murder of his brother Abel. Immediately prior, God confronts Cain about his sin, revealing that Abel's blood cries out from the ground. God then curses Cain from the ground, declaring that it will no longer yield its strength to him, and that he will become "a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth" ([Genesis 4:12](/genesis/4-12 "Genesis 4:12 - God's Curse on Cain")). Cain's words in verse 14 are his visceral reaction to this decree, expressing the perceived totality of his devastation and the terrifying implications for his existence and safety. His lament follows the initial confrontation and God's curse, preceding God's act of placing a protective mark on Cain in [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "Genesis 4:15 - God's Mark on Cain").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the earliest stages of human history, as depicted in Genesis, there were no established legal systems or governing authorities beyond the direct interaction between humanity and God. The concept of "blood vengeance" or retribution for murder, while not yet formally codified as in later Mosaic law (e.g., [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood")), appears to be an inherent understanding or emergent social reality in the post-Fall world. Cain's fear reflects a primal awareness of the sanctity of life and the expectation that murder would be avenged. Furthermore, life was intrinsically tied to the land and agricultural sustenance, making expulsion from the "face of the earth" a devastating curse, implying a loss of livelihood, stability, and belonging.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the early chapters of Genesis. It vividly illustrates the **consequences of sin**, demonstrating how transgression leads to alienation—from God, from the land, and from fellow humans. The verse highlights the theme of **divine judgment**, showing God's active response to human sin, yet it also subtly foreshadows the theme of **divine mercy** in the subsequent verse where God provides protection for Cain. Cain's fear of death underscores the nascent theme of the **sanctity of human life**, even in the mind of a murderer. Finally, the lament about being "hid from thy face" speaks to the profound human need for **God's presence and favor**, a theme first introduced when Adam and Eve attempted to [hide themselves from the Lord God](/genesis/3-8 "Genesis 3:8 - Adam and Eve Hide from God") after their own sin.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Cain's lament in Genesis 4:14 is a visceral cry of despair, revealing the psychological and spiritual torment that immediately follows his transgression. His words unpack the multi-layered consequences of his sin and God's judgment.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **driven me out (Hebrew, _gârash'_ - H1644):** This verb signifies a forceful expulsion or divorce, a removal from possession or a place. In Cain's context, it denotes a violent severance from the land and his established way of life, emphasizing the irreversible nature of his banishment from the ground that was cursed on his account. It conveys a sense of being utterly dispossessed and cast away.
* **fugitive (Hebrew, _nûwaʻ'_ - H5128) and vagabond (Hebrew, _nûwd'_ - H5110):** These two Hebrew words are often paired to describe a state of restless, unsettled wandering. _Nûwaʻ_ implies a wavering or shaking, suggesting instability and constant movement, while _nûwd_ denotes a restless, aimless wandering, often associated with sorrow or lament. Together, they paint a picture of a life devoid of home, community, or peace, marked by perpetual displacement and a lack of belonging.
* **slay (Hebrew, _hârag'_ - H2026):** This strong verb means to smite with deadly intent, to kill, or to murder. Cain's use of this word reveals his acute awareness of the severity of his crime and his anticipation of a proportional, violent retribution. It underscores his profound fear of being subjected to the very act he inflicted upon his brother, highlighting the terrifying reality of a world where life is cheap and vengeance is expected.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth;":** Cain acknowledges God's direct and immediate action of expulsion. "From the face of the earth" signifies not merely a physical removal from a specific plot of land, but a profound separation from the very ground that was meant to sustain him and provide stability. This expulsion is a direct consequence of the ground being cursed because of Abel's blood, rendering it unproductive for Cain.
* **"and from thy face shall I be hid;":** This clause speaks to an even deeper spiritual consequence. Being "hid from thy face" implies a perceived banishment from God's immediate favor, protective presence, and intimate fellowship. It suggests a loss of divine blessing and a profound sense of spiritual alienation, echoing the primal human instinct to flee or be separated from divine holiness when confronted with guilt.
* **"and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth;":** Cain describes his future existence as one of perpetual unrest and instability. The Hebrew phrase (*na` va nad*) conveys a vivid image of restless wandering, a life without a fixed home, community, or purpose. This is a stark contrast to the original human mandate to cultivate and keep the land, implying a life devoid of settled existence and productive labor. His sin has disrupted his relationship not only with God but also with creation itself.
* **"and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me.":** This final clause expresses Cain's most immediate and terrifying fear: the expectation of retributive justice. He anticipates that anyone who encounters him will seek to avenge Abel's death, leaving him vulnerable and hunted. This reveals his acute awareness of his guilt and the nascent understanding of the sanctity of human life, even in the mind of a murderer. His terror is a testament to the profound psychological burden of his crime.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 4:14 employs several powerful literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in Cain's dramatic declaration of his fate; while severe, his pronouncements of utter desolation and certain death are intensified by his despair. **Symbolism** is rich throughout the verse: "the face of the earth" symbolizes the source of life, sustenance, and stability, from which Cain is now alienated; "thy face" symbolizes God's presence, favor, and protection, which Cain fears losing. The phrase "fugitive and a vagabond" is a vivid **metaphor** for a life devoid of peace, purpose, or belonging. Finally, there is a strong sense of **Irony** in Cain's fear of being slain, as he, the first murderer, now dreads becoming a victim of the very violence he initiated. This also serves as **Foreshadowing** of the concept of blood vengeance that would later be codified in biblical law.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Cain's desperate lament in Genesis 4:14 offers profound theological insights into the nature of sin and its comprehensive consequences. It reveals that sin's impact extends beyond the immediate act, leading to a multi-faceted alienation: from the ground that was meant to sustain, from the protective presence of God, and from the security of human community. This verse underscores the inherent human desire for security and belonging, which is utterly shattered by moral failure, and highlights the terrifying psychological burden of guilt. While expressing the severity of divine judgment, it also subtly prepares the reader for the surprising act of divine mercy that follows, where God, despite the judgment, provides protection for Cain.

* [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17-19 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse on the Ground") - The curse on the ground for Adam's sin foreshadows the more specific curse on the ground for Cain, showing a recurring consequence of rebellion against God.
* [Numbers 35:19](/numbers/35-19 "Numbers 35:19 - The Avenger of Blood") - This later Mosaic law codifies the concept of the "avenger of blood," which Cain's fear of being slain implicitly anticipates, highlighting the early understanding of retributive justice for murder.
* [Psalm 51:11](/psalms/51-11 "Psalm 51:11 - Do Not Cast Me From Your Presence") - David's plea, "Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me," echoes Cain's fear of being "hid from thy face," illustrating the universal human dread of spiritual separation from God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Cain's desperate cry serves as a timeless reminder of the heavy burden of unconfessed sin and its far-reaching consequences, not only for the individual but also for their relationship with God and their place in the world. It underscores the profound human desire for security and belonging, which can be utterly shattered by moral failure. The passage encourages us to reflect on how our actions impact our spiritual and physical well-being. It points to the isolating terror of guilt and the inherent human knowledge that sin disrupts cosmic order. Ultimately, it directs us to the ultimate need for God's grace and forgiveness, without which true peace and the restoration of God's presence remain elusive. We are invited to consider the profound difference between fleeing from God in guilt and running to Him for mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Cain's fear of being "hid from thy face" resonate with our own experiences of spiritual distance or alienation from God?**
* **In what ways do our unconfessed sins lead to a sense of being a "fugitive and a vagabond," lacking true peace or belonging?**
* **What does Cain's fear of retribution reveal about the inherent human understanding of justice and the sanctity of life, even in a fallen world?**
* **How can we, in light of this passage, better appreciate the grace and presence of God that we often take for granted?**

### FAQ
**What does "from thy face shall I be hid" mean?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound spiritual separation and loss of God's direct favor and protective presence. It's not merely a physical hiding or banishment, but a perceived exclusion from the intimate relationship, blessing, and security that comes from being in God's sight. For Cain, it represents a terrifying alienation from divine fellowship, leaving him exposed and vulnerable in a way he had never experienced before.

**What is meant by "a fugitive and a vagabond"?**

Answer: The Hebrew phrase *na` va nad* (H5128 and H5110) describes someone who is restless, unsettled, and constantly wandering without a fixed home or community. It implies a life marked by instability, a lack of peace, and perpetual displacement. This state is a direct consequence of being cursed from the ground, symbolizing a life devoid of the settled purpose and belonging that humanity was originally intended to enjoy.

**Why does Cain fear that "every one that findeth me shall slay me"?**

Answer: Cain's fear stems from his profound guilt and an inherent, pre-Mosaic understanding that his crime—the murder of his brother—demands a severe reckoning. In a world without established legal systems, he anticipates that others would seek to avenge Abel's death, leaving him vulnerable to blood vengeance. This fear highlights the nascent awareness of the sanctity of human life and the expectation that such a heinous act would not go unpunished.

**Does God abandon Cain after this lament?**

Answer: While Cain expresses fear of being utterly abandoned, the very next verse, [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "Genesis 4:15 - God's Mark on Cain"), reveals God's complex response. Despite the severe judgment, God places a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed by anyone who finds him. This demonstrates God's sovereignty, His control even over the consequences of sin, and a surprising act of mercy that limits the extent of the punishment and preserves Cain's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Cain's desperate cry of alienation, restless wandering, and fear of death poignantly highlights humanity's profound need for reconciliation with God and true security. His perceived banishment from God's presence and the land underscores the spiritual exile that sin imposes upon all humanity, leaving us as "fugitives and vagabonds" in a world broken by sin, constantly seeking a home we cannot find on our own. Jesus Christ directly addresses this universal human condition. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He [reconciles us to God](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - Reconciliation through Christ"), bridging the chasm created by sin and restoring us to fellowship with the Father. Unlike Cain, who finds no true rest in his wandering, Christ invites all who are weary and burdened by the weight of sin and its consequences to [come to Him and find rest for their souls](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus Offers Rest"). He offers the ultimate peace and security that overcomes the terror of sin and the fear of judgment, leading to eternal belonging in God's presence, where we are no longer hidden from His face but welcomed into His loving embrace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 35:19

The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.

Job 15:20

The wicked man travaileth with pain all [his] days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor.

Job 15:24

Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Proverbs 28:1

¶ The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Deuteronomy 28:65

And among these nations shalt thou find no ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest: but the LORD shall give thee there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind:

2 Thessalonians 1:9

Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;