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Genesis 4:6 "Why are you angry," said the LORD to Cain, "and why has your countenance fallen?
<!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 4:6 "Why are you angry," said the LORD to Cain, "and why has your countenance fallen?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/4-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/01_Gen_04_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 4:6 - Cain and Abel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why are you angry, said the LORD to Cain, and why has your countenance fallen?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/4-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/4-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm" title="Genesis 4:5">◄</a> Genesis 4:6 <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm" title="Genesis 4:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Why are you so angry?” the LORD asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why is your face gloomy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you furious? And why do you look despondent?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The LORD said to Cain: What's wrong with you? Why do you look so angry? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD asked Cain, "Why are you angry, and why do you look disappointed?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />the LORD asked Cain, "Why are you so upset? Why are you depressed? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?Why are you angry,? said the LORD to Cain, ?and why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />God said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And YHWH says to Cain, “Why do you have displeasure? And why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jehovah saith unto Cain, 'Why hast thou displeasure? and why hath thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jehovah will say to Cain, Why art thou angry, and why does thy countenance fall?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the Lord said to him: Why art thou angry? and why is thy countenance fallen? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the Lord said to him: “Why are you angry? And why is your face fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Cain, Why are you displeased? and why is your countenance sad?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And LORD JEHOVAH said to Qayn, “Why does it seem evil to you, and why was your face saddened?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the LORD said unto Cain: 'Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Lord God said to Cain, Why art thou become very sorrowful and why is thy countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/4-6.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=802" 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 and Abel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Prep-l:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/2734.htm" title="2734: ḥā·rāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To burn or be kindled with anger. A primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy.">are you angry,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</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.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7014.htm" title="7014: qā·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.">Cain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">“</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: wə·lām·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">and why</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·ne·ḵā (N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">has your countenance</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄ə·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">fallen?</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”…<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="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19-20</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a></span><br />“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a></span><br />Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</a></span><br />By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></span><br />A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Proverbs 29:22</a></span><br />An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a></span><br />Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">1 Corinthians 10:13</a></span><br />No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a></span><br />The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/37-8.htm">Psalm 37:8</a></span><br />Refrain from anger and abandon wrath; do not fret—it can only bring harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a></span><br />Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the LORD said to Cain, Why are you wroth? and why is your countenance fallen?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/13-11.htm">1 Chronicles 13:11-13</a></b></br> And David was displeased, because the LORD had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore that place is called Perezuzza to this day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a></b></br> For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></b></br> Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Displeasure</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Downcast</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Wroth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/18-30.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/genesis/4-7.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/numbers/14-34.htm">Displeasure</a> <a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Downcast</a> <a href="/genesis/31-2.htm">Expression</a> <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Face</a> <a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/genesis/40-6.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/genesis/31-36.htm">Wroth</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain,</b><br>In this phrase, God directly addresses Cain, highlighting the personal relationship between the Creator and humanity. This question is not for God's benefit, as He is omniscient, but serves to prompt Cain to self-reflection. Anger is a recurring theme in Scripture, often leading to sin if not controlled (<a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a>). The Lord's inquiry echoes His earlier question to Adam and Eve in <a href="/genesis/3-9.htm">Genesis 3:9</a>, emphasizing God's desire for confession and repentance. This moment foreshadows the New Testament teaching of Jesus, who addresses the heart's condition in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a>).<p><b>“and why has your countenance fallen?”</b><br>The fallen countenance signifies Cain's inner turmoil and discontent, visible in his outward appearance. This expression of emotion is significant in biblical narratives, where physical demeanor often reflects spiritual states (<a href="/1_samuel/1-18.htm">1 Samuel 1:18</a>). The cultural context of the time placed importance on facial expressions as indicators of one's heart and intentions. This question from God serves as a warning, urging Cain to examine his heart and actions. It prefigures the New Testament's emphasis on internal transformation over external appearances (<a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>). Cain's reaction contrasts with the joy and peace that come from righteousness, as seen in the lives of those who follow God's will (<a href="/philippians/4-4.htm">Philippians 4:4-7</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, who is directly addressing Cain in this passage. This interaction highlights God's personal involvement and concern for human behavior and emotions.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain</a></b><br>The firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who is struggling with anger and jealousy after God favored Abel's offering over his own. This moment is pivotal as it precedes Cain's decision to commit the first murder.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Abel's accepted offering is the catalyst for Cain's anger. Abel represents righteousness and faithfulness in his relationship with God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offering.htm">The Offering</a></b><br>The event that triggered Cain's anger. Cain's offering was not regarded by God, which led to his emotional turmoil.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_fallen_countenance.htm">The Fallen Countenance</a></b><br>This phrase describes Cain's visible emotional state, indicating his inner turmoil and dissatisfaction. It is a physical manifestation of his spiritual struggle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_personal_engagement.htm">God's Personal Engagement</a></b><br>God cares about our emotions and actions. He engages with Cain directly, showing that He is interested in our inner lives and desires to guide us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_unchecked_emotions.htm">The Danger of Unchecked Emotions</a></b><br>Cain's anger and fallen countenance serve as a warning about the destructive potential of unchecked emotions. Believers are encouraged to address their feelings before they lead to sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/opportunity_for_repentance.htm">Opportunity for Repentance</a></b><br>God's question to Cain is an invitation to self-reflection and repentance. It reminds us that God often provides opportunities to turn away from sin before it takes hold.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_heart_attitude.htm">The Importance of Heart Attitude</a></b><br>The passage underscores that God values the heart's attitude over mere external actions. Cain's offering was rejected not because of its content but because of his heart's condition.<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/how_does_free_will_justify_evil.htm">How does free will justify the existence of evil?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_are_the_sons_of_god_in_the_bible.htm">Who are the sons of God in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_cain_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Cain in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_self-control_in_the_spirit.htm">What is self-control in the Holy Spirit's fruit?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 6, 7</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And the Lord</span> (Jehovah) <span class="cmt_word">said unto Cain</span>. Speaking either mediately by Adam (Luther), or more probably directly by his own voice from between the cherubim where the flaming sword, the visible symbol of the Divine presence, had been established (cf. <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Exodus 20:24</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?</span> The ensuing verse is a veritable <span class="accented">crux interpretum</span>, concerning which the greatest diversity of sentiment exists. Passing by the manifest mistranslation of the LXX., "If thou hast offered rightly, but hast not divided rightly, hast thou not sinned? Rest quiet; toward thee is his (or its) resort, and thou shalt rule over him (or it)," which Augustine, Ambrose, and Chrysostom followed, at the same time "wearying themselves with many interpretations, and being divided among themselves as to how Cain divided not rightly" (Wilier), the different opinions that have been entertained as to the meaning of its several clauses, their connection, and precise import when united, may be thus exhibited. <span class="cmt_word">If thou doest well</span>. Either <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> if thou wert innocent and sinless (Candlish, Jamieson), or <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> if thou, like Abel, presentest a right offering in a right spirit (Vulgate, Luther, Calvin), or <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> if thou retrace thy steps and amend thine offering and intention (Willet, Murphy). <span class="cmt_word">Shalt thou not be accepted</span>? Literally, <span class="accented">Is there not lifting up?</span> (<span class="accented">sedth</span>, from nasa, to raise up). Either - . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/4-6.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">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֚מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are you angry,”</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֣רָה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2734.htm">Strong's 2734: </a> </span><span class="str2">To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֥אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֖ה</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">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Cain,</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֑יִן</span> <span class="translit">(qā·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">“and why</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלָ֖מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is your face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָנֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(p̄ā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<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">downcast?</span><br /><span class="heb">נָפְל֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄ə·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall, lie</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/4-6.htm">Genesis 4:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/4-6.htm">OT Law: Genesis 4:6 Yahweh said to Cain Why are you (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 4:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/4-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 4:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:7" /></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>