Genesis 4:6

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Genesis 4:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?

King James Version KJV

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

American Standard Version ASV

And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Bible in Basic English BBE

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? and why is your face sad?

Free Bible Version FBV

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? Why do you look so annoyed?

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then ye Lord said vnto Kain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance cast downe?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Jehovah saith unto Cain, 'Why hast thou displeasure? and why hath thy countenance fallen?

World English Bible WEB

The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And the LORD said to Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the Lord said to him: Why art thou angry? and why is thy countenance fallen?

Translation for Translators T4T

Yahweh said to Cain, “◄You should not be angry!/Why are you angry?► [RHQ] ◄You should not scowl like that!/Why do you scowl like that?► [RHQ]

Plain English Version PEV

God said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why do you look sad?

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 4:6

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Genesis 4:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל קָ֑יִן לָ֚/מָּה חָ֣רָה לָ֔/ךְ וְ/לָ֖/מָּה נָפְל֥וּ פָנֶֽי/ךָ

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

קָ֑יִן Qayin H7014 Kenite N-proper

לָ֚/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Prep | Part

חָ֣רָה chârâh H2734 to be incensed V-Qal-Perf-3ms

לָ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff

וְ/לָ֖/מָּה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Prep | Part

נָפְל֥וּ nâphal H5307 to fall V-Qal-Perf-3cp

פָנֶֽי/ךָ pânîym H6440 face N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 4:6

וַ/יֹּ֥אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יְהוָ֖ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

קָ֑יִן Qayin H7014 "Kenite" N-proper

Cain was the first child of Adam and Eve, and the first murderer, as told in Genesis. The name also refers to a place and a tribe in Palestine. The word is about a person and a place.

Definition: Ancestors of Heber (H2268H) or Hobab (H2246), first mentioned at Gen.15.19 Group of qe.ni (קֵינִי "Kenite" H7017) § Cain = "possession" eldest son of Adam and Eve and the first murderer having murdered his brother

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Cain, Kenite(-s). See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 4:13; Joshua 15:57.

לָ֚/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Prep | Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

חָ֣רָה chârâh H2734 "to be incensed" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation

Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.

לָ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

וְ/לָ֖/מָּה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Prep | Part

נָפְל֥וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

פָנֶֽי/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

Study Notes — Genesis 4:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Genesis 4:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 4:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 4:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 4:6
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 4:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 4:6
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 4:6
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 4:6
Sermons on Genesis 4:6

Context — Cain and Abel

4while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.

6“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?

7If 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.” 8Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Isaiah 1:18	“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.
2	Job 5:2	For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.
3	Luke 15:31–32	‘Son, you are always with me,’ the father said, ‘and all that is mine is yours. But it was fitting to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”
4	Matthew 20:15	Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
5	Micah 6:3–5	‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery. I sent Moses before you, as well as Aaron and Miriam. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’”
6	Jeremiah 2:31	You people of this generation, consider the word of the LORD: “Have I been a wilderness to Israel or a land of dense darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are free to roam; we will come to You no more’?
7	Jeremiah 2:5	This is what the LORD says: “What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me, and followed worthless idols, and became worthless themselves?
8	John 4:8–11	(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) “You are a Jew,” said the woman. “How can You ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman replied, “You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where then will You get this living water?
9	1 Chronicles 13:11–13	Then David became angry because the LORD had burst forth against Uzzah; so he named that place Perez-uzzah, as it is called to this day. That day David feared God and asked, “How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?” So he did not move the ark with him to the City of David; instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite.
10	John 4:1–4	When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John (although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples), He left Judea and returned to Galilee. Now He had to pass through Samaria.

Genesis 4:6 Summary

In Genesis 4:6, God asks Cain why he is angry and why his countenance has fallen, showing that God cares about our emotions and wants us to understand them. This question encourages us to reflect on our feelings and actions, just like God encouraged Adam and Eve to consider their actions in Genesis 3:9-13. By acknowledging and understanding our emotions, we can bring them before God in prayer, as encouraged in Psalms 4:4 and 42:11, and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did God ask Cain why he was angry if God already knew?

God asked Cain this question to give him an opportunity to reflect on his emotions and actions, as seen in Genesis 4:6, and to encourage him to consider the root of his anger, much like He did with Adam in Genesis 3:9-13.

Was God's question to Cain a rebuke or a gentle inquiry?

God's question to Cain in Genesis 4:6 was likely a gentle inquiry, as God was seeking to understand Cain's heart and encourage him to make things right, similar to His gentle interaction with Adam and Eve after they sinned in Genesis 3:9-19.

How does God's interaction with Cain relate to His character?

God's interaction with Cain in Genesis 4:6 shows that God is a compassionate and concerned God, who desires a personal relationship with humanity, as seen in other verses like Genesis 3:8-9 and Exodus 34:6-7.

What can we learn from God's question to Cain about handling our own emotions?

We can learn from God's question to Cain that it is essential to acknowledge and understand our emotions, and to bring them before God in prayer, as encouraged in Psalms 4:4 and 42:11.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be harboring anger or resentment, and how can I bring them before God?
How do I typically respond when things do not go my way, and what can I learn from Cain's response in Genesis 4:5-8?
In what ways can I apply God's question to Cain to my own life, and how can I cultivate a greater awareness of my emotions and actions?
What does God's gentle inquiry of Cain reveal about His character, and how can I apply this understanding to my own relationship with God?

Gill's Exposition on Genesis 4:6

And the Lord said unto Cain, why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?.... Which was said not as being ignorant of his wrath and resentment, but to bring him to a conviction of his sin

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 4:6

And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 4:6

The Lord spoke unto Cain, that he might bring him to repentance, and the knowledge of his sin. Why is thy countenance fallen? The cause of this dejectedness is not from me, but from thyself.

Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 4:6

Genesis 4:6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?Ver. 6. Why is thy countenance fallen?] Why dost lour and look so like a dog under a door? Vultu saepe loeditur pietas: Difficile est animum non prodere vultu He was discontented at God, and displeased at his brother. He looks but sour and sullen upon him, and God takes him up for it. He so loves his little ones, that he cannot abide the cold wind should blow upon them. The sun must not smite them by day, nor the moon by night The north and south must both blow good to them "Better a millstone," &c., than "offend one of these little ones," be it but by a frown or a frump. Better anger all the witches in the world, than one of God’ s zealous witnesses: "For there goeth a fire out of their mouths to devour their enemies." Cicer. Orat. pro Amer.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 4:6

Verse 6. Why art thou wroth?] This was designed as a gracious warning, and a preventive of the meditated crime.

Cambridge Bible on Genesis 4:6

6. And the Lord said, &c.] Whether Jehovah appeared in a visible form, or spoke to Cain in a dream or vision, is not recorded. The importance of the interrogation lies in the fact, that Jehovah mercifully intervenes to arrest the progress of evil thoughts, by simple words demanding self-examination.

Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 4:6

6. The Lord said unto Cain — By an angel or by the lips of Adam, or by one of Cain’s brothers or sisters. Why… wroth — A question and an appeal that might well have wrought in Cain a conviction of his wrong.

Sermons on Genesis 4:6

	Sermon	Description
	Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 3 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the story of Cain and Abel from Genesis chapter 4. He highlights Abel's despicable actions of offering a sacrifice that did not cos
	(Basics) 67. Anger by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the destructive nature of anger and how it gives the devil an opportunity in our lives. He refers to the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:26-27, w
	(Genesis) Genesis 4:6-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Cain and Abel from the book of Genesis. He explains that Cain became angry and jealous when God accepted Abel's sacrifice but n
	Learning From Losing by David Roper	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tendency of people to look back and find direction from the way things have been done in the past. He mentions the theme song of the churc
	Taking Sin Seriously by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of missionaries and early Christians who sacrificed greatly to spread the Gospel. It highlights the need for genuine
	Guidelines for the Godly Man by Eli Brayley	Eli Brayley preaches on the calling of the man of God to live a life of full consecration, obedience, and service unto the Kingdom of God. The purpose of the man of God is to confo
	Intend Well Towards All by Zac Poonen	Zac Poonen preaches on walking in 'the way of Cain,' highlighting the importance of desiring the best for all, including brothers and sisters in the church, believers in other deno