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    Genesis 4 (KJV)

    Read Genesis chapter 4 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Genesis 4

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Genesis 4:7

    "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou …"

    Explore Topics Related to Genesis 4

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    Genesis 4:1–16 • sin

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    Spiritual Warfare

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    Character

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    Genesis 4 Summary

    Genesis 4 records the first family conflict and the first murder in human history. Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, bring offerings to the Lord. God accepts Abel's offering but rejects Cain's, provoking jealousy that culminates in Cain killing his brother.

    God confronts Cain with the haunting question, 'Where is Abel thy brother?' and pronounces a curse: Cain will be a fugitive and vagabond on the earth. Yet even in judgment, God shows mercy by placing a protective mark on Cain. The chapter closes with the line of Cain building cities and developing culture, while Seth is born to Adam and Eve — through whose line 'men began to call upon the name of the LORD.'

    Key Themes

    Sin's ProgressionJealousyGod's Justice and MercyWorship

    Key Verses in Genesis 4

    "If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door."

    — Genesis 4:7

    God warns Cain about sin's crouching power — a timeless warning for all.

    "And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?"

    — Genesis 4:9

    One of the Bible's most quoted questions — we are indeed accountable for one another.

    "Then began men to call upon the name of the LORD."

    — Genesis 4:26

    Marks the beginning of organized worship through Seth's line.

    Life Application

    Genesis 4 warns that unchecked jealousy and anger can escalate to devastating consequences. When God asks, 'Where is your brother?' He reminds us that we bear responsibility toward others. Choose to master sin before it masters you, and be your brother's keeper.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did God reject Cain's offering?

    Scripture implies the issue was Cain's heart attitude, not merely the type of offering. Abel brought 'the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof' — his best — while Cain simply brought 'of the fruit of the ground' without the same devotion.

    What was the mark of Cain?

    The Bible doesn't specify the exact nature of the mark. It was a sign of God's protection, ensuring no one would kill Cain in vengeance — showing mercy even within judgment.

    What is the main lesson of Genesis 4?

    The chapter teaches that sin has real consequences but God offers both warning and mercy. It also establishes human responsibility toward one another — we are our brother's keeper.

    Read the full summary of Genesis

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