Genesis 4:15

KJV

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Therefore {H3651} whosoever slayeth {H2026} Cain {H7014}, vengeance shall be taken {H5358} on him sevenfold {H7659}. And the LORD {H3068} set {H7760} a mark {H226} upon Cain {H7014}, lest {H1115} any finding {H4672} him should kill {H5221} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai answered him, “Therefore, whoever kills Kayin will receive vengeance sevenfold,” and Adonai put a sign on Kayin, so that no one who found him would kill him.

Berean Standard Bible

“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And Jehovah appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:15 reveals a striking divine intervention following Cain's fratricide, where the LORD, despite having cursed Cain for his heinous sin, paradoxically extends a measure of protection over his life. This decree asserts God's exclusive prerogative over vengeance, declaring a sevenfold retribution upon anyone who harms Cain, and culminates in the setting of a unique mark upon Cain to safeguard him from those who might seek to kill him. The verse profoundly illustrates the intricate balance of God's sovereign justice, His long-suffering mercy, and His ultimate control over the unfolding of human history and the sanctity of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment immediately following God's confrontation with Cain regarding the murder of his brother, Abel, recounted in [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "Cain murders Abel"). After Cain's defiant response to God's inquiry about Abel's whereabouts, the LORD pronounces a severe curse upon him, condemning him to be a restless wanderer on the earth and preventing the ground from yielding its strength to him ([Genesis 4:11-12](/genesis/4-11-12 "God's curse on Cain")). Cain then expresses profound fear that his punishment is greater than he can bear and that anyone who finds him will kill him ([Genesis 4:13-14](/genesis/4-13-14 "Cain's lament and fear")). Genesis 4:15 directly responds to this fear, demonstrating God's immediate and sovereign intervention to prevent a chaotic cycle of blood revenge, thereby asserting His divine prerogative in judgment and the preservation of life, even for the guilty.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the earliest stages of human society, as depicted in Genesis, there were no established legal systems or governing bodies to administer justice. The concept of "blood vengeance" or retribution for a wrong, particularly murder, would have been a natural, albeit chaotic, response in such a primitive social structure. God's intervention in Genesis 4:15 preempts this nascent human tendency towards vigilante justice. By declaring that vengeance belongs to Him and imposing a "sevenfold" penalty, God establishes a foundational principle of divine sovereignty over life and death and the administration of justice. This sets a precedent for later Mosaic law, which would codify principles of justice and limit personal vengeance, demonstrating God's consistent character in maintaining order and upholding the sanctity of life even in a fallen world.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **sovereignty of God** over all aspects of creation, including human life and death, and the administration of justice. It highlights the **escalation of sin** from disobedience in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "The Fall of Humanity in Genesis 3") to fratricide in [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Cain and Abel in Genesis 4"), and God's immediate, yet complex, response to its consequences. The verse also introduces the tension between **divine justice and divine mercy/patience**, as God punishes sin but also preserves life. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the **sanctity of human life**, even that of a murderer, indicating God's ultimate authority over who lives and who dies, a theme that will be further developed in the Noahic covenant in [Genesis 9:6](/genesis/9-6 "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mark (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** (H226) This word, derived from a root suggesting "appearing," signifies a signal, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, or evidence. In this context, it is a divinely appointed sign or token, not necessarily a physical disfigurement, but a visible or recognizable assurance of God's decree. Its purpose is protective, signifying that Cain is under God's unique, albeit complex, protection, thereby deterring others from harming him. This is the same word used for the rainbow as a [sign of God's covenant](/genesis/9-12 "The rainbow as a sign of God's covenant") and for the miraculous signs God performed in Egypt.
* **slayeth (Hebrew, _hârag'_):** (H2026) A primitive root meaning "to smite with deadly intent," "kill," or "murder." The use of this word here emphasizes the severity of the act God is prohibiting. It is the same verb used to describe Cain's act of killing Abel, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the violence God seeks to prevent.
* **vengeance (Hebrew, _nâqam'_):** (H5358) A primitive root meaning "to grudge," "avenge," or "punish." This term denotes the act of taking retribution for a wrong. By stating that "vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold," God explicitly reserves the right to retribution for Himself, preventing human beings from taking justice into their own hands. This establishes a foundational principle that would be echoed throughout Scripture: vengeance belongs to the Lord.
* **sevenfold (Hebrew, _shibʻâthayim'_):** (H7659) This is a dual form, adverbially meaning "seven-times." In biblical numerology, "seven" often signifies completeness, perfection, or totality. Here, "sevenfold" emphasizes the absolute certainty and comprehensive severity of the divine retribution that would be exacted upon anyone who dared to harm Cain. It underscores the gravity of violating God's protective decree and His ultimate authority over justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto him,"**: This opening phrase underscores the direct, personal, and authoritative nature of God's communication with Cain. It is a divine pronouncement, not a negotiation, establishing God's sovereign will in the face of human sin and fear.
* **"Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold."**: This is God's immediate response to Cain's fear of being killed. The "therefore" links directly to Cain's expressed anxiety. God declares that any act of violence against Cain will incur a divinely ordained, complete, and severe retribution. This statement serves to preempt human vigilantism and asserts God's exclusive right to administer justice and vengeance, thereby preventing an escalating cycle of bloodshed in the nascent human population. It is a powerful declaration of divine control over the timing and execution of justice.
* **"And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him."**: Following the verbal decree, God takes a tangible action. The "mark" is a visible or recognizable sign, a divine token of protection. Its explicit purpose is preventative: to deter potential avengers and ensure Cain's safety. This action reinforces the sanctity of life, even for a murderer, and demonstrates God's long-suffering patience and His determination to manage the consequences of sin according to His own sovereign plan, rather than allowing immediate, chaotic human retribution.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Divine Speech** is central, as the LORD directly addresses Cain, emphasizing the authority and gravity of the pronouncement. The phrase "sevenfold" acts as **Hyperbole** or **Symbolism**, signifying not merely seven times the retribution, but a complete and total measure of divine vengeance, underscoring the severity of God's protective decree. The "mark upon Cain" functions as **Symbolism**, representing a visible or recognizable sign of God's unique, albeit complex, protection, and a deterrent to others. There is also an element of **Irony** in God protecting a murderer, which highlights the tension between divine justice and mercy, and God's ultimate control over life and death. Furthermore, the entire narrative serves as **Foreshadowing** of later biblical laws and principles concerning justice, vengeance, and the sanctity of life, where God consistently reserves the right to ultimate retribution for Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 4:15 is a profound theological statement on God's character and His interaction with a fallen world. It asserts God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, even in the context of human sin and violence. While Cain is cursed for his heinous act, God intervenes to prevent further bloodshed and to demonstrate that vengeance is His alone to exact, not a right for humans to seize. This establishes a foundational principle against chaotic personal retribution, setting the stage for later covenantal laws that would regulate justice. It showcases the tension between God's righteous judgment against sin and His long-suffering patience and preservation of life, even for the guilty. This divine act of preservation, despite the severity of the offense, underscores God's ultimate control over the unfolding of human history and His deep commitment to the inherent value of human life, even in its most broken state.

* [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense")
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 4:15 challenges our natural human inclination towards immediate retribution and vigilante justice. In a world where wrongs are often met with a desire for swift, personal vengeance, this passage serves as a foundational reminder that ultimate justice belongs to God alone. It calls us to trust in His perfect timing, His righteous judgment, and His sovereign methods, rather than taking matters into our own hands. This trust fosters patience and humility, encouraging us to leave room for God's wrath and His redemptive purposes. Furthermore, the verse compels us to reflect on the profound value God places on human life, even that of those who have committed grave wrongs. It prompts us to cultivate a posture of long-suffering and a commitment to the sanctity of life, mirroring God's own character, while never condoning sin itself. Our role is to pursue peace and righteousness, knowing that God will ultimately ensure all accounts are settled according to His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's response to Cain's fear challenge your own desires for immediate justice or retribution when you feel wronged?**
* **In what ways does this passage demonstrate God's sovereignty over life and death, and how does that understanding impact your view of human dignity?**
* **What is the practical difference between leaving vengeance to God and seeking justice through appropriate, lawful means?**
* **How can we, as believers, reflect God's long-suffering and patience towards those who have wronged us, without condoning their sin?**

### FAQ
**Why did God protect Cain after such a heinous crime?**

Answer: God's protection of Cain was not an act of condoning his sin, which had already been cursed with a life of restless wandering ([Genesis 4:11-12](/genesis/4-11-12 "God's curse on Cain")). Rather, it was a profound assertion of God's sovereignty over life and death and a means to prevent an immediate, chaotic cycle of revenge in the nascent human population. It demonstrated God's prerogative to administer justice on His own terms and timing, establishing a precedent that vengeance belongs to Him alone, as later echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Vengeance is Mine, and recompense").

**What exactly was the "mark of Cain"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "mark" (*'oth*) means "sign" or "token" (H226). It was a divine assurance or indicator of God's protective decree, ensuring that no one would kill Cain. The Bible does not specify its physical nature, so it was not necessarily a visible disfigurement but rather a recognizable sign of God's unique, albeit protective, hand upon him. Its purpose was to deter potential avengers, signifying that Cain was under God's specific, sovereign oversight.

**Does this verse imply God is lenient on sin?**

Answer: No, God had already pronounced a severe and life-altering curse on Cain, making him a restless wanderer, cut off from the fruitfulness of the ground ([Genesis 4:11-12](/genesis/4-11-12 "God's curse on Cain")). The protection granted in [Genesis 4:15](/genesis/4-15 "God's protection of Cain") demonstrates God's long-suffering patience and His right to administer justice on His own terms and timing, rather than allowing immediate human retribution. It underscores the sanctity of life even for the guilty, not a leniency towards the sin itself, but a demonstration of divine control and a prevention of further chaotic violence.

**How does "sevenfold vengeance" apply?**

Answer: The "sevenfold" (H7659) emphasizes the completeness and certainty of the retribution God would enact on anyone who harmed Cain. In biblical numerology, "seven" often signifies totality or perfection. Thus, it signifies a full measure of divine justice that would be carried out by God Himself, reinforcing that vengeance belongs solely to the LORD, as stated in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Vengeance belongs to the Lord"). It serves as a powerful deterrent, communicating the gravity of defying God's protective decree.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 4:15 does not directly prophesy Christ, it subtly foreshadows profound aspects of His redemptive work by highlighting God's ultimate authority over life, death, and justice. The divine assertion that vengeance belongs to God alone finds its perfect and ultimate fulfillment in Christ's atoning sacrifice. On the cross, God's righteous wrath against sin was fully satisfied, and His boundless mercy was extended to humanity, offering [forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe](/john/3-16 "God gave His only Son for eternal life in John 3:16"). The prevention of chaotic human vengeance in Genesis 4:15 points forward to the divine establishment of order and peace through Christ's kingdom, where true justice, reconciliation, and divine sovereignty reign supreme. Through Christ, God exercises His prerogative to judge sin perfectly, while simultaneously offering a way for humanity to escape the cycle of sin and death. This culminates in the promise of a new creation where violence and vengeance are eradicated, and [God's peace truly reigns](/colossians/1-20 "Making peace by the blood of his cross").

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

Ezekiel 9:4

And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

Genesis 4:24

If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

Ezekiel 9:6

Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.

1 Kings 16:7

And also by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani came the word of the LORD against Baasha, and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the LORD, in provoking him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam; and because he killed him.

Leviticus 26:28

Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

Leviticus 26:21

And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.