Genesis 4:9

KJV

¶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Where [is] Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: [Am] I my brother's keeper?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Cain {H7014}, Where {H335} is Abel {H1893} thy brother {H251}? And he said {H559}, I know {H3045} not: Am I my brother's {H251} keeper {H8104}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Adonai said to Kayin, “Where is Hevel your brother?” And he replied, “I don’t know; am I my brother’s guardian?”

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother’s keeper?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 4:9 presents a chilling divine interrogation following the world's first murder, capturing the immediate aftermath of Cain's horrific act. The Lord's probing question, "Where is Abel thy brother?", serves not as an inquiry for information but as a demand for accountability, exposing Cain's culpability. Cain's defiant and evasive reply, "I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?", tragically unveils a heart hardened by sin and a profound rejection of the inherent human responsibility to care for one another, setting a foundational moral question about human interconnectedness and the consequences of unaddressed sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic point of God's confrontation with Cain, immediately following the heinous act of fratricide. The narrative in [Genesis 4](/genesis/4 "Genesis 4 - Cain and Abel") begins with the contrasting offerings of Cain and Abel, where Abel's sacrifice is accepted and Cain's rejected. This rejection fuels Cain's anger and resentment, leading to God's warning in [Genesis 4:7](/genesis/4-7 "God's Warning to Cain in Genesis 4:7") about sin crouching at his door, ready to master him. Despite this divine counsel, Cain lures Abel into the field and murders him, as recounted in [Genesis 4:8](/genesis/4-8 "The First Murder in Genesis 4:8"). God's question in verse 9 mirrors His earlier confrontation with Adam and Eve in [Genesis 3:9](/genesis/3-9 "God Questions Adam in Genesis 3:9") after their disobedience, demonstrating a consistent divine pattern of seeking accountability from fallen humanity. This confrontation initiates the immediate consequences for Cain's sin, setting the stage for his curse and exile.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, family and tribal relationships were paramount, forming the bedrock of social order and individual identity. Blood kinship carried profound obligations of loyalty, protection, and vengeance. To murder a brother was an ultimate betrayal, shattering the most fundamental social unit. The concept of "blood crying out from the ground" (mentioned in the subsequent verse, [Genesis 4:10](/genesis/4-10 "The Blood of Abel Cries Out in Genesis 4:10")) reflects a common ancient belief that spilled innocent blood defiled the land and demanded retribution, often by the victim's kin or, in this case, by divine intervention. Cain's defiant question, "Am I my brother's keeper?", would have been understood as a radical rejection of these deeply ingrained societal and familial responsibilities, highlighting the profound moral decay wrought by sin in the earliest human community.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 4:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader book. It underscores the theme of **sin's progression and devastating consequences**, showing how unaddressed anger and jealousy, warned against by God, escalate to murder and lead to further moral decay and divine judgment. The verse also highlights **divine omniscience and justice**, demonstrating that no human act, however hidden, escapes God's knowledge or accountability. Furthermore, it introduces the foundational theme of **human responsibility for one another**, implicitly affirming the moral imperative of brotherly care and protection, a principle that resonates throughout biblical law and wisdom literature, such as the call to [love your neighbor as yourself](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor"). Cain's denial tragically reveals the early corruption of human relationships and the breakdown of communal responsibility.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** This primitive word denotes a brother in the widest sense, encompassing literal kinship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance. In this context, it emphasizes the direct blood relationship between Cain and Abel, making Cain's crime an act of fratricide—a profound violation of the closest human bond. Cain's denial of responsibility for his "brother" underscores his rejection of this fundamental familial and moral tie.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to ascertain by seeing," but used with great latitude to mean "to know" in various senses—literally, figuratively, euphemistically, and inferentially. It includes observation, care, recognition, and even instruction. Cain's "I know not" is a direct denial of knowledge, a lie, and an attempt to evade accountability for his actions, contrasting sharply with God's perfect knowledge.
* **Keeper (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to hedge about (as with thorns)," and more generally, "to guard, protect, attend to, preserve, watch." This word conveys the idea of active oversight, protection, and diligent care. Cain's rhetorical question, "Am I my brother's keeper?", is a defiant rejection of this inherent responsibility to guard, protect, and care for his brother, revealing a heart devoid of empathy and duty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine confrontation. God's question is not born of ignorance but is a rhetorical device, a summons to confession and accountability. It forces Cain to confront the reality of his heinous act, echoing God's earlier call to Adam in the Garden. The divine query implies a moral order that has been shattered and demands an answer from the perpetrator.
* **"And he said, I know not:":** Cain's immediate response is a blatant lie and a desperate attempt to evade responsibility. This denial is characteristic of humanity's fallen nature, seeking to hide sin rather than confess it. It reflects a profound spiritual blindness and moral cowardice in the face of divine scrutiny.
* **"[Am] I my brother's keeper?":** This rhetorical counter-question is the most impactful part of the verse. It is not a genuine inquiry but a defiant assertion of independence and a rejection of moral obligation. Cain's use of "keeper" (Hebrew: _shomer_) implies responsibility for care, protection, and oversight. His question, therefore, is a stark "No" to the very concept of brotherly love, mutual responsibility, and the inherent duty to safeguard another's well-being, especially that of a sibling. This reveals the deep corruption sin had wrought, not only in action but in the heart's capacity for empathy and responsibility.

#### Literary Devices
The exchange in Genesis 4:9 is rich with literary devices that amplify its dramatic and theological impact. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, employed first by God ("Where is Abel thy brother?") and then by Cain ("Am I my brother's keeper?"). God's question is not for information but to elicit confession and expose guilt, forcing Cain to confront his sin. Cain's question, conversely, is a defiant refusal of responsibility, an attempt to deflect blame and assert his autonomy. This creates profound **Irony**, as Cain, who has just taken his brother's life, rhetorically denies any responsibility for it, highlighting the perversion of justice and love. The entire scene builds **Dramatic Tension**, as the omniscient God confronts the guilty human, leading to a pivotal moment of truth and consequence. The concise dialogue also demonstrates **Conciseness**, packing immense theological and moral weight into a few powerful words.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 4:9 serves as a foundational text for understanding the nature of sin, divine justice, and human responsibility. It starkly illustrates how sin, when unaddressed, metastasizes from internal resentment into outward violence, leading to a profound breakdown in human relationships and a direct affront to God's created order. God's question underscores His active involvement in human affairs and His demand for accountability, while Cain's defiant response reveals the depth of humanity's fallen nature and its tendency towards denial and self-preservation over truth and responsibility. The implicit "Yes" to Cain's rhetorical question establishes a timeless moral principle: humans are indeed responsible for the well-being and care of their fellow human beings, a principle that forms the bedrock of ethical living and communal harmony.

* [Psalm 139:7-12](/psalms/139-7 "Psalm 139:7-12 - God's Omnipresence and Omniscience"): This passage affirms God's all-knowing and ever-present nature, reinforcing the truth that no sin can be hidden from Him, as illustrated by His immediate knowledge of Abel's death.
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy"): This proverb highlights the futility of hiding sin and the blessing of confession, directly contrasting Cain's denial and its subsequent curse with the path to mercy.
* [Luke 10:29-37](/luke/10-29-37 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"): Jesus' parable profoundly expands on the concept of "neighbor" and "keeper," illustrating that our responsibility extends beyond immediate family to anyone in need, embodying the very care Cain denied.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound exchange in Genesis 4:9 challenges us to look inward and honestly assess our own responses to sin and responsibility. Cain's immediate lie and defiant question serve as a mirror, reflecting humanity's innate tendency to evade accountability and deny our obligations to others. This verse calls us to recognize that true freedom and spiritual health are found not in hiding our transgressions but in humbly confessing them before God and seeking His forgiveness. Furthermore, it compels us to embrace our inherent, God-given responsibility for the well-being of our "brother"—our neighbor, our community, and indeed all humanity. In a world often marked by indifference and self-interest, Cain's question serves as a timeless reminder that we are, unequivocally, our brother's keeper, called to actively love, protect, and care for one another, reflecting the very heart of God's design for human relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like Cain, attempt to hide my wrongdoing or deflect responsibility when confronted with my actions?**
* **How does the concept of being "my brother's keeper" challenge my personal choices and priorities in my relationships and community?**
* **What specific actions can I take today to better embody the responsibility of caring for others, especially those who may be vulnerable or in need?**

### FAQ
**Why does God ask "Where is Abel thy brother?" if He already knows?**

Answer: God's question is not born of ignorance but is a profound rhetorical device designed to elicit confession and bring Cain's sin into the open. It serves as a divine summons for Cain to take responsibility for his actions, much like God's earlier question to Adam, "[Where art thou?](/genesis/3-9 "God Questions Adam in Genesis 3:9")" in the Garden of Eden. This approach highlights God's justice, His desire for humanity to acknowledge their sin, and His consistent pattern of holding individuals accountable.

**What does "Am I my brother's keeper?" truly mean in its original context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "keeper" (*shomer*) implies one who guards, watches, or preserves. Cain's question, therefore, is a defiant rejection of any responsibility for Abel's well-being, safety, or life. It is a stark assertion of his independence and indifference to his brother's fate, betraying a complete lack of empathy and a rejection of the moral obligations inherent in their familial bond. The implied answer from God and the narrative is a resounding "Yes," establishing a foundational principle of human interdependence.

**Does this verse mean we are literally responsible for everyone's actions?**

Answer: While this verse does not imply legal culpability for the independent choices of others, it establishes a profound moral principle of human interdependence and mutual care. It means we have a responsibility to act lovingly, to protect the vulnerable, and to seek the good of others, rather than being indifferent or hostile. This principle is foundational to biblical ethics and is echoed throughout Scripture, most notably in the command to "[love your neighbor as yourself](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")" and Jesus' teaching on the [Good Samaritan](/luke/10-29-37 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), which expands the definition of "neighbor" to anyone in need.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Cain's defiant rejection of being his "brother's keeper" in Genesis 4:9 highlights humanity's profound failure to uphold God's design for relational responsibility and love, creating a deep need for a true and perfect Keeper. In stark contrast to Cain, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate "Keeper" and Good Shepherd. He is the one who did not abandon His "brothers" (humanity) but willingly [laid down His life for His sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), actively seeking their well-being, protection, and salvation. Cain's unprovoked murder of the innocent Abel also tragically foreshadows the world's rejection and crucifixion of the innocent Son of God, who, though sinless, was murdered by His own "brothers" (humanity). Yet, through His sacrificial death, Jesus fully embodies the very "keeper" responsibility Cain so vehemently denied, reconciling humanity to God and to one another, fulfilling the deepest need for true brotherhood and selfless love, as He commanded His followers to "[love one another, just as I have loved you](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - The New Commandment to Love")."

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

Proverbs 28:13

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Psalms 9:12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.

Psalms 10:13

Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require [it].

Psalms 10:14

Thou hast seen [it]; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite [it] with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Acts 5:4

Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Acts 5:9

Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the door, and shall carry thee out.