KJV ORIGINAL
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.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Look, you have driven me away from this land today, and I will be hidden from your presence. I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and anyone who finds me will kill me.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Cain is expressing his fear and despair after being punished by God, believing he will be hunted and killed as he wanders the earth alone.
📚 Historical Context
This is Cain's response after God punished him for murdering his brother Abel, the first recorded murder in human history. God had just cursed Cain to be a restless wanderer whose farming efforts would fail. At this early point in human history, the earth's population was still very small, consisting mainly of Adam and Eve's family.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save