King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:14 Mean?

Genesis 4:14 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 4:14 · KJV

Context

12

When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

13

And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. My: or, Mine iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven

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.

15

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.

16

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

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hi... This passage belongs to the primeval history section (Genesis 1-11) which establishes universal truths about God, humanity, sin, and divine purposes before focusing on Abraham and Israel. These chapters answer fundamental questions about human origins, the spread of wickedness, God's judgment, and the preservation of a righteous remnant.

Recurring patterns emerge: human sin escalating from individual disobedience to societal corruption, divine patience followed by judgment, gracious preservation of a remnant, and covenant promises ensuring redemptive purposes continue. The genealogies connect historical persons, demonstrate the fulfillment of divine promises (blessing and multiplication), and trace the line leading to Abraham and ultimately Christ.

Key theological themes in this section include: (1) sin's destructive progression affecting all humanity; (2) God's righteous judgment while preserving mercy; (3) human pride and autonomy opposing divine sovereignty; (4) cultural development as both blessing and potential idolatry; (5) God's sovereign plan advancing despite human rebellion. These narratives provide the necessary context for understanding God's calling of Abraham and the covenant promises through which all nations will be blessed.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The primeval history (Genesis 1-11) parallels ancient Near Eastern traditions including Sumerian King Lists (pre-flood longevity), Akkadian flood traditions (Atrahasis, Gilgamesh), and Mesopotamian city foundation myths. However, Genesis demythologizes these traditions, presenting monotheistic history rather than polytheistic mythology. The genealogies connecting Adam to Noah to Abraham provide historical framework absent in pagan myths.

Archaeological evidence confirms ancient urbanization (chapter 4's cities), agricultural development, metallurgy, and musical instruments emerging in Mesopotamia's early history. The Babel account reflects Mesopotamian ziggurat construction (stepped pyramid temples), particularly in Babylon. Linguistic diversity requiring explanation was obvious to ancient peoples, making the Babel narrative culturally relevant.

For Israel in covenant with Yahweh, these chapters explained their relationship to surrounding nations. All peoples descended from Noah, but Israel descended from Shem through Abraham—chosen for blessing all nations. The flood demonstrated God's justice and mercy: judging wickedness while preserving the righteous. This pattern would recur throughout Israel's history, assuring them that God's covenant faithfulness endures despite judgment on the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. How can we apply the principles from this passage to contemporary challenges in family, work, or church?
  3. How does this verse fit into the broader biblical story culminating in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הֵן֩1 of 17
H2005

lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if

גֵּרַ֨שְׁתָּ2 of 17

“Behold thou hast driven me out”

H1644

to drive out from a possession; especially to expatriate or divorce

אֹתִ֜י3 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַיּ֗וֹם4 of 17

“this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מֵעַל֙5 of 17

“and from”

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וּמִפָּנֶ֖יךָ6 of 17

“from the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה7 of 17

“of the earth”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

וּמִפָּנֶ֖יךָ8 of 17

“from the face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶסָּתֵ֑ר9 of 17

“shall I be hid”

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

וְהָיָ֥ה10 of 17

“and it shall come to pass”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נָ֤ע11 of 17

“and I shall be a fugitive”

H5128

to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (as subjoined)

וָנָד֙12 of 17

“and a vagabond”

H5110

to nod, i.e., waver; figuratively, to wander, flee, disappear; also (from shaking the head in sympathy), to console, deplore, or (from tossing the hea

בָּאָ֔רֶץ13 of 17

“in the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְהָיָ֥ה14 of 17

“and it shall come to pass”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָל15 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מֹֽצְאִ֖י16 of 17

“that every one that findeth me”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

יַֽהַרְגֵֽנִי׃17 of 17

“shall slay me”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 4:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 35:19Job 15:20-24Psalms 143:7Deuteronomy 28:652 Thessalonians 1:9Proverbs 28:1

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