King James Version

What Does Genesis 4:7 Mean?

Genesis 4:7 in the King James Version says “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall b...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. be accepted: or, have the excellency unto: or, subject unto thee”

Genesis 4:7 · KJV

Context

5

But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

6

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

7

If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. be accepted: or, have the excellency unto: or, subject unto thee

8

And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9

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

Read Genesis 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. A... 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 deepen our understanding of God's character and His relationship with creation?
  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 · 15 words
הֲל֤וֹא1 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

וְאִם֙2 of 15

“If”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תֵיטִ֔יב3 of 15

“and if thou doest not well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

שְׂאֵ֔ת4 of 15

“shalt thou not be accepted”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

וְאִם֙5 of 15

“If”

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

לֹ֣א6 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תֵיטִ֔יב7 of 15

“and if thou doest not well”

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

לַפֶּ֖תַח8 of 15

“at the door”

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

חַטָּ֣את9 of 15

“sin”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

רֹבֵ֑ץ10 of 15

“lieth”

H7257

to crouch (on all four legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

וְאֵלֶ֙יךָ֙11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תְּשׁ֣וּקָת֔וֹ12 of 15

“And unto thee shall be his desire”

H8669

a longing

וְאַתָּ֖ה13 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

תִּמְשָׁל14 of 15

“and thou shalt rule”

H4910

to rule

בּֽוֹ׃15 of 15
H0

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 4:7 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 4:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 1:15Romans 2:6-10Isaiah 3:10-11Romans 6:16Hebrews 11:4Numbers 32:23

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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