Genesis 4:15 Made Simple

KJV ORIGINAL

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.

Close to the original. Clear modern English.

✦ MADE SIMPLE

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.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

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

This verse comes immediately after Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy and was banished by God to wander the earth. Despite Cain's fear that others would kill him for his crime, God chose to show mercy by protecting him. In the ancient world, blood revenge was common, where family members would kill those who harmed their relatives.

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You must observe the Sabbath because it is sacred to you. Anyone who treats it as common or ordinary will certainly be put to death. Whoever does any work on that day will be completely removed from their community.

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📚 Historical Context

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