Bible Strands
Genesis 4:15
“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The LORD answers Cain’s fear of being killed after his exile. This occurs immediately after Cain declares he will be a fugitive and anyone who finds him will slay him.
The words — שִבְעָתַיִם (shivʿatayim) translates to “sevenfold,” and יֻקָּם (yuqqām) means “he will be avenged” or “he will be punished.” These terms establish the fixed measure of retribution attached to Cain’s life.
The thread — The sevenfold retribution motif appears again in Genesis 4:24 with Lamech’s boast and mirrors the demand for sevenfold repayment in Psalm 79:12. The protective mark parallels the sign placed on the faithful in Ezekiel 9:4.
Why it lands — The text asserts that divine jurisdiction, not human vengeance, governs the taking of life. It requires the reader to submit to God’s sole authority to judge and protect rather than assuming the right to execute retribution.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Ezekiel 9:4 “Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”
- Psalms 79:12 Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.
- Genesis 4:24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”
- Ezekiel 9:6 Slaughter the old men, the young men and maidens, the women and children; but do not go near anyone who has the mark. Now begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple.
- Revelation 14:9 And a third angel followed them, calling out in a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on his forehead or on his hand,
- Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.”
- Leviticus 26:18 And if after all this you will not obey Me, I will proceed to punish you sevenfold for your sins.
- Leviticus 26:21 If you walk in hostility toward Me and refuse to obey Me, I will multiply your plagues seven times, according to your sins.
- Leviticus 26:24 then I will act with hostility toward you, and I will strike you sevenfold for your sins.
- Leviticus 26:28 then I will walk in fury against you, and I, even I, will punish you sevenfold for your sins.