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.
And the LORD said to him, 'Therefore, whoever kills Cain will face punishment seven times worse. And the LORD put a mark on Cain so that anyone who found him would not kill him.'
God is protecting Cain from being killed by others, even after Cain murdered his brother Abel, by placing a special mark on him and promising severe punishment to anyone who harms him.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative, Cain had just murdered his brother Abel in a fit of jealousy over God's acceptance of their offerings, leading to God's curse upon Cain as a wanderer on the earth. When Cain feared retaliation from others, God responded by promising severe vengeance on anyone who would kill him, demonstrating divine protection. This mark placed on Cain served as a visible sign to ensure his safety, highlighting God's mercy amid judgment in the early chapters of Genesis.
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