Genesis 4:14

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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

In Genesis 4:14, we hear Cain's lament and fear after God pronounces judgment upon him for the murder of his brother, Abel. This verse captures the immediate consequences of his sin: exile, spiritual separation, and a deep fear for his life, believing that anyone who finds him will seek to avenge Abel's death.

Context

Following the first murder in human history, where Cain slew his brother Abel, God confronts Cain. God's judgment is severe: Cain is cursed from the earth, which will no longer yield its strength to him, making him a "fugitive and a vagabond" (Genesis 4:12). This verse is Cain's desperate response, expressing the profound impact of God's decree on his existence and his perceived safety.

Key Themes

  • Consequences of Sin: Cain's words vividly illustrate the immediate and profound repercussions of his transgression. He faces not only physical expulsion but also spiritual alienation from God's immediate presence. This emphasizes the biblical truth that the wages of sin is death, both physical and spiritual.
  • Fear and Vulnerability: The phrase "every one that findeth me shall slay me" reveals Cain's overwhelming terror and sense of utter defenselessness. He anticipates a life hunted and without peace, highlighting the psychological burden of guilt and judgment.
  • Exile and Alienation: Being "driven out... from the face of the earth" and "from thy face shall I be hid" speaks to a complete disruption of his former life and a painful separation from divine favor and a settled existence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "fugitive and a vagabond" (na` va nad) conveys a strong sense of restless wandering and instability. It implies a life without a fixed home or community, constantly moving and unsettled. The idea of being "hid from thy face" underscores the profound spiritual consequence of his sin, implying a loss of God's direct favor and protective presence, a stark contrast to walking with God in the garden, as seen with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8.

Related Scriptures

While Cain expresses fear of death, God, in His complex justice and mercy, provides a mark for Cain's protection, as seen in the very next verse (Genesis 4:15). This demonstrates God's sovereignty even in judgment. The concept of being hidden from God's face is a recurring theme in scripture, often associated with judgment or despair, as one might feel when trying to flee from God's Spirit or presence.

Practical Application

Cain's 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 highlights the human desire for security and belonging, which can be shattered by moral failure. The passage encourages reflection on how our actions impact our spiritual and physical well-being, and the ultimate need for God's grace and forgiveness to truly find peace and presence.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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;