Genesis 4:6

6 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you furious? And why are you downcast?^[a]

Genesis 4:6 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 4:6

And the Lord said unto Cain, why art thou wroth? and why is
thy countenance fallen?
&c.] Which was said not as being ignorant of his wrath and resentment, but to bring him to a conviction of his sin or sins, which were the cause of God's rejecting his sacrifice, and to repentance and amendment; and to show him that he had no cause to be displeased, either with him or his brother, for the different treatment of him and his offering; since the fault lay in himself, and he had none to blame but his own conduct, which for the future he should take care to regulate according to the divine will, and things would take a different turn.

Genesis 4:6 In-Context

4 And Abel also presented [an offering]-some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,

5 but He did not have regard for Cain and his offering. Cain was furious, and he was downcast.

6 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you furious? And why are you downcast?

7 If you do right, won't you be accepted? But if you do not do right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must master it."

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit why has your face fallen