“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.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)