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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 4:16 So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 4:16 - Cain Murders Abel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the LORD&#8217s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Cain left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Cain left the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the presence of Yahweh and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Cain went away from the [manifested] presence of the LORD, and lived in the land of Nod [wandering in exile], east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Cain went out from the LORD&#8217s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But Cain had to go far from the LORD and live in the Land of Wandering, which is east of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Cain left the LORD's presence and lived in Nod [The Land of Wandering], east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />And Cain went away from the LORD's presence and lived in a land called "Wandering," which is east of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />After this, Cain left the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So Cain went out from the presence of God and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Cain left Yahweh’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Cain goes out from before YHWH, and dwells in the land, moving about east of Eden;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Cain goeth out from before Jehovah, and dwelleth in the land, moving about east of Eden;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the face of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, eastward of Eden.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the face of the Lord, and dwelt as a fugitive on the earth, at the east side of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so Cain, departing from the face of the Lord, lived as a fugitive on the earth, toward the eastern region of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Cain then left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Qayn went out from before LORD JEHOVAH and dwelt in the land of Nod—Trembling, from the East of Eden.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So Cain went forth from the presence of God and dwelt in the land of Nod over against Edem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=903" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Cain Murders Abel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>“Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7014.htm" title="7014: qa·yin (N-proper-ms) -- The same as qayin; Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in Palestine, and of an Oriental tribe.">So Cain</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">went out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mil·lip̄·nê (Prep-m, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">from the presence</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and settled</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ- (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/5113.htm" title="5113: nō·wḏ (N-proper-fs) -- A region into which Cain wandered. The same as nowd; vagrancy; Nod, the land of Cain.">of Nod,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6926.htm" title="6926: qiḏ·maṯ- (N-fsc) -- Front, east. Feminine of qedem; the forward part East.">east</a> <a href="/hebrew/5731.htm" title="5731: ‘ê·ḏen (N-proper-fs) -- The garden home of Adam and Eve. The same as eden; Eden, the region of Adam's home.">of Eden.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Genesis 3:24</a></span><br />So He drove out the man and stationed cherubim on the east side of the Garden of Eden, along with a whirling sword of flame to guard the way to the tree of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/32-23.htm">Numbers 32:23</a></span><br />But if you do not do this, you will certainly sin against the LORD—and be assured that your sin will find you out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-18.htm">2 Kings 17:18</a></span><br />So the LORD was very angry with Israel, and He removed them from His presence. Only the tribe of Judah remained,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-39.htm">Jeremiah 23:39</a></span><br />therefore I will surely forget you and will cast you out of My presence, both you and the city that I gave to you and your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/9-17.htm">Hosea 9:17</a></span><br />My God will reject them because they have not obeyed Him; and they shall be wanderers among the nations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-2.htm">Isaiah 59:2</a></span><br />But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-11.htm">Psalm 51:11</a></span><br />Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/15-20.htm">Job 15:20-24</a></span><br />A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. / Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him. / He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/31-17.htm">Deuteronomy 31:17</a></span><br />On that day My anger will burn against them, and I will abandon them and hide My face from them, so that they will be consumed, and many troubles and afflictions will befall them. On that day they will say, ‘Have not these disasters come upon us because our God is no longer with us?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-23.htm">1 Samuel 15:23</a></span><br />For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-2.htm">2 Chronicles 15:2</a></span><br />So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-41.htm">Matthew 25:41</a></span><br />Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-27.htm">Luke 13:27</a></span><br />And he will answer, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/9-34.htm">John 9:34</a></span><br />They replied, “You were born in utter sin, and you are instructing us?” And they threw him out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24</a></span><br />Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity for the dishonoring of their bodies with one another.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelled in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.</p><p class="hdg">went.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Genesis 4:14</a></b></br> 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, <i>that</i> every one that findeth me shall slay me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Genesis 3:8</a></b></br> And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Exodus 20:18</a></b></br> And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw <i>it</i>, they removed, and stood afar off.</p><p class="hdg">Nod.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/4-12.htm">Genesis 4:12</a></b></br> When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-15.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/2_john/1-2.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/revelation/11-10.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">East</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Eden</a> <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Face</a> <a href="/revelation/11-19.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/genesis/1-30.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/job/16-4.htm">Nod</a> <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Settled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/4-17.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/genesis/9-27.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/genesis/11-2.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/genesis/10-30.htm">East</a> <a href="/2_kings/19-12.htm">Eden</a> <a href="/genesis/6-1.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/24-36.htm">Lord's</a> <a href="/genesis/7-21.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/job/16-4.htm">Nod</a> <a href="/genesis/6-13.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/genesis/11-2.htm">Settled</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-1.htm">The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Cain murders his brother Abel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-11.htm">The curse of Cain.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-17.htm">Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-18.htm">His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">The birth of Seth,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-26.htm">and Enos.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD</b><br>This phrase signifies a significant spiritual and physical departure. Cain's act of murder against Abel led to his separation from God's direct presence, symbolizing a break in fellowship and divine favor. This departure echoes the earlier expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden, highlighting the consequences of sin. The presence of the LORD in the Old Testament often denotes a place of blessing and protection, and leaving it suggests a life marked by alienation and wandering. This separation can be seen as a precursor to the spiritual exile humanity experiences due to sin, which is ultimately reconciled through Christ.<p><b>and settled in the land of Nod</b><br>The land of Nod is mentioned only here in the Bible, and its name means "wandering" or "exile," reflecting Cain's restless state. This settlement indicates a paradox; though Cain is to be a wanderer, he attempts to establish a home. This reflects humanity's struggle to find stability apart from God. Theologically, it underscores the futility of seeking peace and security outside of God's will. The land of Nod's exact location is unknown, but its symbolic meaning is more significant than its geography, representing the spiritual dislocation from God.<p><b>east of Eden</b><br>The direction "east" in biblical terms often signifies moving away from God's presence. After Adam and Eve's expulsion, cherubim were placed on the east side of Eden to guard the way to the tree of life. Cain's movement eastward further emphasizes his separation from the divine presence and the blessings associated with Eden. This eastward movement can be seen as a motif throughout Scripture, where moving eastward often symbolizes moving away from God's intended path. Theologically, it points to the need for redemption and restoration, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity back to God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Adam and Eve, known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel. His actions led to his banishment from God's presence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>Refers to Yahweh, the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, who interacts directly with Cain, issuing judgment and protection.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_nod.htm">The Land of Nod</a></b><br>A region mentioned as being east of Eden. The name "Nod" is derived from the Hebrew root (nod), meaning "to wander," indicating a place of wandering or exile.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/eden.htm">Eden</a></b><br>The garden created by God as a paradise for Adam and Eve, representing the presence and blessing of God. Cain's departure from Eden signifies a move away from divine favor.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/east_of_eden.htm">East of Eden</a></b><br>Symbolically represents moving further away from God's presence and the ideal state of creation, as Eden was the place where God walked with humanity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a></b><br>Cain's departure from God's presence illustrates the separation that sin causes between humanity and God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a></b><br>Even in judgment, God shows mercy by marking Cain to protect him from harm. This reflects God's character as both just and merciful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_god's_presence.htm">The Importance of God's Presence</a></b><br>Living "east of Eden" symbolizes life without God's presence. Believers are encouraged to seek and remain in God's presence through prayer, worship, and obedience.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_path_of_rebellion.htm">The Path of Rebellion</a></b><br>Cain's account warns against the path of rebellion and the dangers of hardening one's heart against God. It encourages self-examination and humility.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_did_cain's_wife_come_from.htm">Genesis 4:16–17: If Adam and Eve were the first humans, where did Cain’s wife come from? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where_did_cain_go_after_banishment.htm">Where did Cain go after being banished by God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_cain's_wife_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Cain's wife in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_became_of_cain.htm">What became of Cain?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">Cain went out from the presence of the Lord.</span>--See Note on <a href="/genesis/3-8.htm" title="And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.">Genesis 3:8</a>. Adam and his family probably worshipped with their faces towards the Paradise, and Cain, on migrating from the whole land of Eden, regarded himself as beyond the range of the vision of God. (See Note on <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm" title="Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from your 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 finds me shall slay me.">Genesis 4:14</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">The land of Nod.</span>--i.e., of wandering. Knobel supposes it was China, but this is too remote. Read without vowels, the word becomes India. All that is certain is that Cain emigrated into Eastern Asia, and as none of Noah's descendants, in the table of nations in Genesis 10, are described as having travelled eastward, many with Philippson and Knobel regard the Mongol race as the offspring of Cain.<p><span class= "bld"><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord</span>. Not simply ended his interview and prepared to emigrate from the abode of his youth (Kalisch); but, more especially, withdrew from the neighborhood of the cherubim (v/de on ver. 14). <span class="cmt_word">And dwelt in the land of Nod</span>. The geographical situation of Nod (Knobel, China?) cannot be determined further than that it was <span class="cmt_word">on the east of Eden</span>, and its name, Nod, or wandering (cf. vers. 12, 14; <a href="/psalms/56-8.htm">Psalm 56:8</a>), was clearly derived from Cain s fugitive and vagabond life (<span class="accented">vide</span> Michaelis, 'Suppl,' p. 1612; and cf. Furst, 'Lex.,' sub <span class="accented">voce</span>), "which showeth, as Josephus well conjectureth, that Cain was not amended by his punishment, but waxed worse and worse, giving himself to rapine, robbery, oppression, deceit" (Willet). <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Cain</span><br /><span class="heb">קַ֖יִן</span> <span class="translit">(qa·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7014.htm">Strong's 7014: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cain -- a city in southern Judah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">went out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥צֵא</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the presence</span><br /><span class="heb">מִלִּפְנֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mil·lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and settled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the land</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֶֽרֶץ־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’e·reṣ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Nod,</span><br /><span class="heb">נ֖וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(nō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5113.htm">Strong's 5113: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nod -- a region into which Cain wandered</span><br /><br /><span class="word">east</span><br /><span class="heb">קִדְמַת־</span> <span class="translit">(qiḏ·maṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6926.htm">Strong's 6926: </a> </span><span class="str2">The forward part, East</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Eden.</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵֽדֶן׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·ḏen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5731.htm">Strong's 5731: </a> </span><span class="str2">Eden -- the garden home of Adam and Eve</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/4-16.htm">Genesis 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/4-16.htm">OT Law: Genesis 4:16 Cain went out from Yahweh's presence (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>