Genesis 4:16

¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

And Cain {H7014} went out {H3318} from the presence {H6440} of the LORD {H3068}, and dwelt {H3427} in the land {H776} of Nod {H5113}, on the east {H6926} of Eden {H5731}.

So Kayin left the presence of Adonai and lived in the land of Nod [wandering], east of ‘Eden.

So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

Commentary

Genesis 4:16 marks a pivotal moment in the early narrative of humanity, describing Cain's departure after committing the first murder and receiving God's judgment.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic confrontation between God and Cain concerning the murder of his brother, Abel. After God rejects Cain's offering and warns him about sin crouching at the door (Genesis 4:7), Cain proceeds to kill Abel (Genesis 4:8). God then confronts Cain, pronounces a curse upon him, making him a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:11-12). Cain expresses fear for his life, and in an act of divine mercy, the Lord places a mark on him to protect him from vengeance (Genesis 4:15). Verse 16 details Cain's subsequent action: his departure and exile.

Key Themes

  • Separation from God's Presence: The phrase "went out from the presence of the LORD" signifies more than just a physical relocation. It implies a spiritual banishment, a cutting off from the direct communion and favor that Adam and Eve had experienced, and perhaps where God's manifested glory resided near Eden. This highlights the profound consequence of sin: separation from the source of life and blessing.
  • Consequence of Sin and Exile: Cain's dwelling in the "land of Nod" is a direct fulfillment of God's curse that he would be a "fugitive and a vagabond" (Genesis 4:12). His life becomes one of perpetual wandering, reflecting the internal restlessness caused by his guilt and alienation.
  • The Land of Nod: The name "Nod" (נוֹד, Nod) in Hebrew literally means "wandering" or "fugitive." This isn't a fixed geographical location but a symbolic name reflecting Cain's cursed state and destiny. It underscores the idea that a life apart from God's favor is one of aimless existence.
  • Geographical Context: "On the east of Eden" provides a general direction for Cain's exile. Eden itself was likely "eastward" in relation to some initial point of reference, and now Cain is driven further east, emphasizing his movement away from the origin of humanity and God's initial dwelling with man.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "מִפְּנֵי יְהוָה" (mippĕnê YHWH), translated as "from the presence of the LORD," literally means "from the face of the LORD." This suggests a departure from a place or state where God's immediate attention, favor, or perhaps visible manifestation was experienced. It speaks to a profound spiritual and relational distance, not merely a change of address.

Practical Application

Cain's story serves as a timeless reminder of the severe consequences of unrepentant sin. His exile illustrates that choosing a path of rebellion and violence leads to separation from God and a restless, unfulfilled existence. True peace and belonging are found not in fleeing from accountability or God's presence, but in seeking reconciliation and living within His will. This verse subtly points towards the human longing for a place of rest and belonging, which ultimately can only be satisfied in God's abiding presence, a concept echoed throughout Scripture.

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Cross-References

  • Job 2:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

  • 2 Kings 24:20 (3 votes)

    For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon.

  • Genesis 3:8 (3 votes)

    And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

  • Exodus 20:18 (3 votes)

    ¶ And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off.

  • Genesis 4:14 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 13:23 (3 votes)

    And the LORD was gracious unto them, and had compassion on them, and had respect unto them, because of his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy them, neither cast he them from his presence as yet.

  • Jeremiah 23:39 (3 votes)

    Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, [and cast you] out of my presence: