“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain,
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 (Ephesians 4:26-27). The Lord's inquiry echoes His earlier question to Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:9, 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 (Matthew 5:21-22).

“and why has your countenance fallen?”
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 (1 Samuel 1:18). 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 (Romans 12:2). 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 (Philippians 4:4-7).

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
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.

2. Cain
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.

3. Abel
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.

4. The Offering
The event that triggered Cain's anger. Cain's offering was not regarded by God, which led to his emotional turmoil.

5. The Fallen Countenance
This phrase describes Cain's visible emotional state, indicating his inner turmoil and dissatisfaction. It is a physical manifestation of his spiritual struggle.God's Personal Engagement
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.

The Danger of Unchecked Emotions
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.

Opportunity for Repentance
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.

The Importance of Heart Attitude
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.1. What is the meaning of Genesis 4:6?

2. How does Genesis 4:6 reveal God's concern for Cain's emotional state?

3. What does God's question in Genesis 4:6 teach about self-reflection?

4. How can Genesis 4:6 guide us in managing anger and jealousy?

5. Connect Genesis 4:6 with Ephesians 4:26 on handling anger biblically.

6. How can we apply God's approach in Genesis 4:6 to conflict resolution?

7. Why did God question Cain's anger in Genesis 4:6 instead of directly addressing Abel's murder?

8. How does Genesis 4:6 reflect God's understanding of human emotions and sin?

9. What does Genesis 4:6 reveal about God's expectations for human behavior?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 4?

11. How does free will justify the existence of evil?

12. Who are the sons of God in the Bible?

13. Who was Cain in the Bible?

14. What is self-control in the Holy Spirit's fruit?Why are you angry,

• The question is God’s first response to Cain’s smoldering resentment after “the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.” (Genesis 4:4-5).

• God’s words spotlight the heart issue before it erupts into violence, much like Ephesians 4:26 urges, “Be angry, yet do not sin.”

• By asking, the LORD invites Cain to examine motives instead of blaming circumstances—a pattern He follows throughout Scripture:

– Jonah 4:4: “But the LORD replied, ‘Have you any right to be angry?’”

– James 1:20: “For man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.”

• The gentle challenge exposes the contrast between righteous indignation (e.g., Mark 3:5) and self-centered fury that refuses correction.

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said the LORD to Cain,

• The Creator personally addresses the offender, proving He remains relational even after the Fall, as He did when He called to Adam, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9).

• Divine confrontation is an act of grace:

– Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds, “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord… for the Lord disciplines the one He loves.”

• God’s engagement shows Cain cannot hide his heart; neither can we (Psalm 139:1-4).

• Like Job 38:1, where “the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind,” God’s voice breaks through confusion, offering truth and a path back to fellowship.

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and why has your countenance fallen?

• A fallen face reveals an internal collapse; sorrow mixed with pride hardens into self-pity rather than repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10 distinguishes “godly sorrow” from “worldly sorrow”).

• Scripture often links facial expression to spiritual state:

– Psalm 42:11: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? And why the turmoil within me?”

– Genesis 40:6-7 records Joseph noticing the prisoners’ “faces downcast” and asking, “Why do you look so sad today?”

• God’s question exposes the danger of unchecked disappointment. If Cain had lifted his eyes to the Lord in humility, he could have received the same favor Abel enjoyed (see Genesis 4:7).

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summary

Genesis 4:6 shows the LORD lovingly confronting Cain’s brewing anger and visible dejection. By asking probing questions, God highlights the heart problem, extends an opportunity for repentance, and warns against the destructive path of unrestrained emotion. The verse reminds believers that the Lord still notices both the attitudes within and the expressions without, calling us to honest self-examination and obedient trust.

Verses 6, 7 - And the Lord (Jehovah) said unto Cain. 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. Exodus 20:24). Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? The ensuing verse is a veritable crux interpretum, 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. If thou doest well. Either

(1) if thou wert innocent and sinless (Candlish, Jamieson), or

(2) if thou, like Abel, presentest a right offering in a right spirit (Vulgate, Luther, Calvin), or

(3) if thou retrace thy steps and amend thine offering and intention (Willet, Murphy). Shalt thou not be accepted? Literally, Is there not lifting up? (sedth, from nasa, to raise up). Either - . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

“Why
לָ֚מָּה (lām·māh)
Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are you angry,”
חָ֣רָה (ḥā·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

said
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֖ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Cain,
קָ֑יִן (qā·yin)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7014: Cain -- a city in southern Judah

“and why
וְלָ֖מָּה (wə·lām·māh)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

is your face
פָנֶֽיךָ׃ (p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

downcast?
נָפְל֥וּ (nā·p̄ə·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie


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OT Law: Genesis 4:6 Yahweh said to Cain Why are you (Gen. Ge Gn)