BIBLE BOOK CHAPTER VERSE: Genesis 4 | Cain and Abel | The First Murder and God’s Justice
Genesis 4 tells the story of humanity’s first family after Eden, the first murder, and the consequences of sin outside the Garden. While Genesis 3 showed the entrance of sin and God’s promise of redemption, Genesis 4 shows how sin spreads and affects relationships, yet God’s justice and mercy remain.
Hi everyone, and welcome to **Bible Book Chapter Verse**! Here, we explore every chapter of God’s Word, verse by verse, helping you see the beauty, meaning, and purpose behind the Scriptures.
Whether you are new to the Bible or a longtime student, our mission is simple: to make God’s Word accessible, inspiring, and applicable to your everyday life.
Now, let’s dive into **Genesis 4**, where humanity experiences jealousy, anger, and consequences—but also encounters God’s grace and protection.
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### **Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1–7)**
Now Adam knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.”
Again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
In the course of time, Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering.
So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
**Reflection:** God desires our obedience and heart, not just ritual. Sin often begins with envy and pride, which must be mastered through faithfulness.
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### **The First Murder (Genesis 4:8)**
Cain spoke to Abel his brother; and when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
**Reflection:** Sin escalates when unchecked—anger and jealousy can destroy relationships, even to the point of murder.
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### **God’s Confrontation and Judgment (Genesis 4:9–12)**
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”
He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.
Now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.
When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”
**Reflection:** God’s justice is real—sin has consequences—but His confrontation offers awareness and accountability, not just punishment.
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### **God’s Mercy (Genesis 4:13–16)**
Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear!
Behold, You have driven me out this day from the face of the earth, and from Your face I shall be hidden; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.”
And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.”
Then the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.
So Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
**Reflection:** Even in judgment, God provides protection and mercy. Sin carries consequences, but God’s care is never absent.
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### **Descendants of Cain and the Spread of Civilization (Genesis 4:17–22)**
Cain knew his wife, and she bore Enoch. And he built a city, calling the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.
To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.
Lamech took two wives: Adah and Zillah.
Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.
His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who handle the harp and flute.
Zillah also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron.
**Reflection:** Even in a world marred by sin, God’s design includes creativity, work, and culture. Civilization develops, but sin continues to spread.
If this journey through God’s Word is speaking to you, pause for a second—hit Like, Subscribe, and Share so that more people can hear the hope of Scripture. Let’s keep spreading God’s Word together.
### **KEY VERSE**
**Genesis 4:7** – *“If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”*
➡️ God warns us about the dangers of sin and invites us to mastery over it through obedience.
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### **LET’S REFLECT**
Genesis 4 shows the escalation of sin and the introduction of justice, mercy, and accountability outside Eden. Even in our failings, God remains present, providing protection, awareness, and opportunity for repentance.
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### **SAY WITH ME**
“I choose obedience over sin, and I trust God’s protection and guidance in my life.”
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### **SAY WITH ME ONCE MORE**
“I choose obedience over sin, and I trust God’s protection and guidance in my life.”
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### **HOW TO APPLY THIS**
* Be honest with God and others—do not hide sin.
* Take responsibility for your actions and relationships.
* Trust God’s protection and mercy even when consequences are real.
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### **TIME TO THINK**
If God protected Cain even after murder, how does that shape your understanding of His mercy and justice today?
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### **QUESTION FOR YOU**
Which part of Genesis 4 speaks most to you—the warning against sin, the consequences of sin, or God’s mercy? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear them.
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Genesis 4 reminds us that sin affects relationships and society, but God’s justice and mercy remain. Stay tuned for Genesis 5, where we see the generations after Adam and the continuation of God’s plan.