King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:15 Mean?

Genesis 4:15 in the King James Version says “And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD se...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Genesis 4:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Enoch: Heb. Chanoch

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenf... 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. How does this verse contribute to the biblical doctrine of creation, fall, or redemption?
  2. What specific changes in thinking or behavior does this verse call us to make?
  3. How does understanding Christ as the ultimate fulfillment illuminate this passage's meaning?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר1 of 18

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

ל֣וֹ2 of 18
H0
יְהוָ֤ה3 of 18

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָכֵן֙4 of 18

“unto him Therefore”

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

כָּל5 of 18
H3605

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

הֹרֵ֣ג6 of 18

“whosoever slayeth”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

לְקַ֙יִן֙7 of 18

“Cain”

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם8 of 18

“on him sevenfold”

H7659

seven-times

יֻקָּ֑ם9 of 18

“vengeance shall be taken”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

וַיָּ֨שֶׂם10 of 18

“set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

יְהוָ֤ה11 of 18

“And the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְקַ֙יִן֙12 of 18

“Cain”

H7014

kajin, the name of the first child

א֔וֹת13 of 18

“a mark”

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

לְבִלְתִּ֥י14 of 18

“lest”

H1115

properly, a failure of, i.e., (used only as a negative particle, usually with a prepositional prefix) not, except, without, unless, besides, because n

הַכּוֹת15 of 18

“him should kill”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

אֹת֖וֹ16 of 18
H853

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

כָּל17 of 18
H3605

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

מֹצְאֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“any finding”

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

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 4:15 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 4:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 9:4Psalms 79:12Genesis 4:24Ezekiel 9:6Revelation 14:9Revelation 14:11

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