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.
If you do what's right, won't you be accepted? But if you don't do what's right, sin is crouching at your door like a wild animal, ready to attack. It wants to control you, but you must master it.
God is telling Cain that he has a choice - do right and be accepted, or let sin take control of his life.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of Genesis, this verse occurs during a conversation between God and Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, after God rejected Cain's offering while accepting his brother Abel's. This rejection led to Cain's growing anger and jealousy, setting the stage for God's warning about the consequences of unchecked sin. God is emphasizing personal responsibility and the ever-present danger of sin in human choices.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.