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Genesis 4:6

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¶ And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Cain {H7014}, Why art thou wroth {H2734}? and why is thy countenance {H6440} fallen {H5307}?

Adonai said to Kayin, “Why are you angry? Why so downcast?

“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?

And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Commentary

Genesis 4:6 (KJV): "And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?"

Context

This verse follows immediately after the account of Cain and Abel bringing their offerings to the LORD. While God accepted Abel's offering, He did not accept Cain's. This rejection led to Cain experiencing intense anger and visible dejection, described here as his "countenance fallen." God directly addresses Cain's emotional state before the situation escalates.

Key Themes

  • God's Awareness of Human Emotion: The verse highlights that God sees and understands our inner feelings, even negative ones like anger and jealousy. He directly questions Cain about his wrath and dejection.
  • The Danger of Unchecked Anger: Cain's anger is presented as a significant issue that God immediately confronts. It is a precursor to the tragic events that follow, illustrating how unresolved negative emotions can lead to destructive actions.
  • God's Initiative in Confrontation: The LORD doesn't wait for Cain to come to Him but initiates the conversation, giving Cain an opportunity to acknowledge his feelings and potentially change his course before sin takes hold, as warned in the very next verse (Genesis 4:7).

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "wroth" comes from the Hebrew word charah (חָרָה), which literally means "to burn" or "to be kindled," vividly describing intense anger. "Countenance fallen" is a straightforward description of his facial expression reflecting his inward state of anger, disappointment, and perhaps shame or envy.

Significance and Application

Genesis 4:6 is a powerful reminder that God is not distant from our emotional struggles. He sees our anger, our sadness, and our jealousy. His question to Cain is not one of ignorance, but an invitation for Cain to confront his feelings and choose a different path. For believers today, this verse encourages honest self-examination regarding negative emotions. It teaches that these feelings, if not addressed and brought before God, can lead to destructive behavior and separate us from God's will, much like the potential for anger to lead to sin if not handled righteously.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

  • Isaiah 1:18 (6 votes)

    Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

  • Job 5:2 (5 votes)

    For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

  • Luke 15:31 (2 votes)

    And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

  • Luke 15:32 (2 votes)

    It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

  • Jeremiah 2:31 (1 votes)

    O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?

  • Matthew 20:15 (1 votes)

    Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?

  • Micah 6:3 (1 votes)

    O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.