Genesis 4:15

But the Lord said to him, “If anyone kills you, the crime will be avenged sevenfold.” So the Lord placed a distinctive mark on Cain, to keep anyone who found him from killing him.

Open English Bible (US)

In The 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.

In Context

14Look! Today you banish me from the ground. I must hide in your presence. I will be a wandering refugee upon the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me!”

16Cain departed from the Lord’s presence and lived east of Eden in the land of Wandering.

Read all of Genesis 4

Cross References

Psalms 79:12Pay our neighbors back sevenfold for the scorn they have heaped upon you, O Lord.

Hosea 1:4the Lord said: “Call him ‘Jezreel,’ for in a little while I will punish the dynasty of Jehu for the blood shed at the valley of Jezreel, I will cause the kingdom of Israel to cease.

Matthew Henry on Genesis 4:14-16

Cain's Complaint. ( b. c. 3875.) 13 And Cain said unto the Lord , My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 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. 15 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… Read the whole commentary →

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Study Genesis 4:15