1
וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם יָדַ֖ע אֶת חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ וַתַּ֨הַר֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד אֶת קַ֔יִן וַתֹּ֕אמֶר קָנִ֥יתִי אִ֖ישׁ אֶת יְהוָֽה
And the man knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and she said, 'I have acquired a man with YHWH.'
The scene begins not with the garden's loss but with the continuation of human life through conception, birth, and naming. Eve's exclamation turns the newborn child into an interpreted gift, and the difficult phrase about acquiring a man with YHWH introduces a theme of human hope that will soon be shadowed by fraternal conflict.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְהָ֣אָדָ֔םand the manconj וְ + art + N m sg abs · אָדָם (H120)Subject (topicalized)אָדָם (H120) 'man'; with article = 'the man' (Adam); his knowing Eve opens the human story east of Eden.
יָדַ֖עknew (intimately)Qal perf 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (main clause)→ Perfective: completed act of marital intimacyיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; euphemism for intercourse; Qal perf with person as object is the standard idiom.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
חַוָּ֣הEveproper N · חַוָּה (H2332)Direct object (personal name)חַוָּה (H2332), Eve; from חָיָה 'to live'; named 'mother of all living' (Gen 3:20).
אִשְׁתּ֑וֹhis wifeN f sg constr + 3ms suf · אִשָּׁה (H802)Appositive to Eveאִשָּׁה (H802) 'woman, wife'; construct + suffix marks the marital relation.
וַתַּ֨הַר֙and she conceivedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָרָה (H2029) 'to conceive, be pregnant'; Qal wayyiqtol — first conception recorded in Scripture.
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand she boreconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; first human birth in Scripture.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
קַ֔יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Direct object (proper name)קַיִן (H7014), Cain; Eve's wordplay connects to קָנִיתִי 'I acquired'; the name may also echo the root for forging/smithing.
וַתֹּ֕אמֶרand she saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing direct speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; standard speech verb introducing Eve's interpretive exclamation.
קָנִ֥יתִיI have acquiredQal perf 1cs · קָנָה (H7069)Predicate verb (exclamation)→ Perfective: completed act of acquiringקָנָה (H7069) 'to get, acquire, create'; the root ranges from purchase to origination (cf. Gen 14:19 'creator of heaven and earth').
אִ֖ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of קָנִיתִיאִישׁ (H376) 'man'; Eve calls the newborn אִישׁ — the first man born of woman.
אֶתwithprep · אֵת (H854)Preposition of accompaniment (with YHWH)אֵת (H854) 'with, together with'; distinct from obj-marker H853; marks YHWH as co-agent in the birth.
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of prep אֵת (agency/accompaniment)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; Eve acknowledges divine involvement in the first birth.
2
וַתֹּ֣סֶף לָלֶ֔דֶת אֶת אָחִ֖יו אֶת הָ֑בֶל וַֽיְהִי הֶ֨בֶל֙ רֹ֣עֵה צֹ֔אן וְקַ֕יִן הָיָ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ד אֲדָמָֽה
And she again bore his brother Abel. And Abel became a keeper of sheep, but Cain became a worker of the ground.
The verse pairs the brothers immediately and then distinguishes them by vocation. The economy of the line matters: the reader is given just enough to see both kinship and differentiation before worship and rivalry emerge.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַתֹּ֣סֶףand she againconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3fs · יָסַף (H3254)Wayyiqtol (auxiliary of repetition)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָסַף (H3254) 'to add, do again'; Hiphil + infinitive is the standard idiom for repeating an action.
לָלֶ֔דֶתto bearprep לְ + Qal inf constr · יָלַד (H3205)Infinitive complement of וַתֹּסֶףיָלַד (H3205) 'to give birth'; inf constr as complement expressing what she again did.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אָחִ֖יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אָח (H251)Direct object (kinship appositive)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the kinship bond invoked here makes the later murder fratricide.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker (before proper name)
הָ֑בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Direct object (proper name)הֶבֶל (H1893), Abel; the name means 'breath, vapor'; its connotation of transience shadows his brief life.
וַֽיְהִיand wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing vocational description→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be, become'; introduces a participial predicate of occupation.
הֶ֨בֶל֙Abelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Subject of וַיְהִי
רֹ֣עֵהkeeper ofQal ptc m sg constr · רָעָה (H7462)Predicate participle (occupation)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activityרָעָה (H7462) 'to shepherd, tend flocks'; ptc as substantive describes Abel's habitual vocation.
צֹ֔אןflocksN (collective) sg abs · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive after רֹעֵה (construct)צֹאן (H6629) 'small livestock, sheep and goats'; collective noun for Abel's herds.
וְקַ֕יִןand Cainconj וְ + proper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject (contrastive, new clause)
הָיָ֖הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (stative)→ Perfective: characteristic state — habitual farmerהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; stative perfect marking Cain's settled identity as a tiller.
עֹבֵ֥דtiller ofQal ptc m sg constr · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate participle (complement of הָיָה)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activityעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, till, serve'; links Cain to the curse-labor of Gen 3:17–19.
אֲדָמָֽהthe groundN f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitive after עֹבֵד (construct)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; cursed in Gen 3:17; will become the medium of Cain's own curse in v.11.
3
וַֽיְהִ֖י מִקֵּ֣ץ יָמִ֑ים וַיָּבֵ֨א קַ֜יִן מִפְּרִ֧י הָֽאֲדָמָ֛ה מִנְחָ֖ה לַֽיהוָֽה
And it came to pass at the end of days that Cain brought from the fruit of the ground an offering to YHWH.
The temporal phrase creates a measured transition from vocation to offering. Cain acts first, and the terse notice leaves the quality of the gift initially unstated, placing the weight instead on what follows in divine regard and human response.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַֽיְהִ֖יand it came to passconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal shift→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceהָיָה (H1961); the idiom וַיְהִי ... מִקֵּץ introduces a measured temporal transition.
מִקֵּ֣ץat the end ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · קֵץ (H7093)Temporal prepositional phraseקֵץ (H7093) 'end, limit'; מִקֵּץ יָמִים 'at the end of days' = after an indefinite period (cf. Gen 8:6).
יָמִ֑יםdaysN m pl abs · יוֹם (H3117)Genitive after מִקֵּץיוֹם (H3117) 'day'; pl. in this phrase is an indefinite temporal expression.
וַיָּבֵ֨אand broughtconj וַ + Hiphil wayyiqtol 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (main action)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; Cain's cultic act of presenting an offering to YHWH.
קַ֜יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיָּבֵא
מִפְּרִ֧יfrom fruit ofprep מִן + N m sg constr · פְּרִי (H6529)Partitive phrase (object of bringing)פְּרִי (H6529) 'fruit, produce'; the agricultural product of Cain's vocation.
הָֽאֲדָמָ֛הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitive after פְּרִי (construct)אֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground, soil'; Cain offers what the cursed ground produces.
מִנְחָ֖הan offeringN f sg abs · מִנְחָה (H4503)Direct object of וַיָּבֵאמִנְחָה (H4503) 'gift, tribute, offering'; in later cultic law the grain offering; here a generic gift presented to deity.
לַֽיהוָֽהto YHWHprep לְ + proper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Indirect object (recipient)יְהוָה (H3068); the offering is presented as tribute to the divine sovereign.
4
וְהֶ֨בֶל הֵבִ֥יא גַם ה֛וּא מִבְּכֹר֥וֹת צֹאנ֖וֹ וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן וַיִּ֣שַׁע יְהוָ֔ה אֶל הֶ֖בֶל וְאֶל מִנְחָתֽוֹ
And Abel, he also brought from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions, and YHWH regarded Abel and his offering.
Abel's act is narrated as parallel to Cain's but with greater elaboration: the gift is from the firstborn and from their rich portions. The verse does not pause to theorize why YHWH regards Abel, but its lexical fullness and the direct statement of divine regard establish the contrast that drives the rest of the episode.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וְהֶ֨בֶלand Abelconj וְ + proper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Subject (topicalized, contrastive)
הֵבִ֥יאbroughtHiphil perf 3ms · בּוֹא (H935)Predicate verb (contrastive parallel to v.3)→ Perfective: completed act of bringingבּוֹא (H935) Hiphil 'to bring'; same verb as v.3, marking the parallel act of offering.
גַםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; emphasizes that Abel likewise brought an offering.
ה֛וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive emphatic pronounהוּא (H1931) 3ms independent pronoun; resumes and emphasizes Abel as co-subject.
מִבְּכֹר֥וֹתfrom firstborns ofprep מִן + N pl constr · בְּכוֹרָה (H1062)Partitive phrase (specifying quality of gift)בְּכוֹרָה (H1062) 'firstborn'; presenting the firstborn signals honor and priority to YHWH.
צֹאנ֖וֹhis flockN (collective) constr + 3ms suf · צֹאן (H6629)Genitive after firstborns (construct)צֹאן (H6629) 'small livestock'; Abel's own flocks, the fruit of his vocation.
וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ןand from their fatconj וּ + prep מִן + N m pl constr + 3fp suf · חֵלֶב (H2459)Coordinated partitive phrase (choicest portions)חֵלֶב (H2459) 'fat, choicest portion'; presenting the fat underscores Abel's gift as the very best.
וַיִּ֣שַׁעand regardedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שָׁעָה (H8159)Wayyiqtol (divine response)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשָׁעָה (H8159) 'to look at, regard, pay attention to'; divine regard as acceptance; contrasted negatively in v.5.
יְהוָ֔הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיִּשַׁע
אֶלtowardprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition governing Abelאֶל (H413) 'to, toward'; marks the direction of divine regard.
הֶ֖בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Object of prepositional phrase
וְאֶלand towardconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + preposition (second object)
מִנְחָתֽוֹhis offeringN f sg constr + 3ms suf · מִנְחָה (H4503)Object of וְאֶל (regard extends to gift)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'offering, gift'; divine regard extends to person and gift together — holistic acceptance.
5
וְאֶל קַ֥יִן וְאֶל מִנְחָת֖וֹ לֹ֣א שָׁעָ֑ה וַיִּ֤חַר לְקַ֨יִן֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ פָּנָֽיו
But toward Cain and toward his offering he had no regard, and Cain burned greatly with anger, and his face fell.
The contrast is stark and narratively decisive: what was said positively of Abel is now denied of Cain. The verse focuses less on liturgical explanation than on Cain's response, moving immediately from divine non-regard to anger and a fallen face, the visible sign of inward disorder.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וְאֶלbut towardconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Adversative conj + preposition (contrast to v.4)
קַ֥יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Object of prepositional phrase
וְאֶלand towardconj וְ + prep · אֶל (H413)Conjunction + preposition (second object)
מִנְחָת֖וֹhis offeringN f sg constr + 3ms suf · מִנְחָה (H4503)Object of וְאֶל (non-regard extends to gift)מִנְחָה (H4503) 'offering'; pairing Cain with his gift emphasizes the non-regard is personal, not merely technical.
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of following verbלֹא (H3808) the standard prohibitive/negative particle.
שָׁעָ֑הhe regardedQal perf 3ms · שָׁעָה (H8159)Predicate verb (negated — completes contrast with v.4)→ Perfective: completed non-regardשָׁעָה (H8159) 'to regard, look at'; same verb as v.4, now negated; the non-regard is decisive and unexplained.
וַיִּ֤חַרand burnedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Wayyiqtol of narrative consequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be kindled'; the idiom וַיִּחַר לְ describes anger as an inner fire burning to the subject.
לְקַ֨יִן֙to Cainprep לְ + proper N · קַיִן (H7014)Dative of the burning anger (idiom)
מְאֹ֔דgreatlyadv · מְאֹד (H3966)Adverbial intensifierמְאֹד (H3966) 'exceedingly, greatly'; intensifies the anger to its maximum pitch.
וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּand fellconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3mp · נָפַל (H5307)Wayyiqtol of narrative consequence (idiom)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; נָפְלוּ פָנָיו 'his face fell' = dejection and sullen anger (cf. Job 29:24).
פָּנָֽיוhis faceN (pl) constr + 3ms suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Subject of וַיִּפְּלוּ (idiom: face fell)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, countenance'; the fallen face is the visible mark of inner collapse.
6
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל קָ֑יִן לָ֚מָּה חָ֣רָה לָ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה נָפְל֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ
And YHWH said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?'
The divine question does not yet condemn Cain; it exposes him. As elsewhere in early Genesis, God questions not from ignorance but in order to bring the human agent into moral speech before the act hardens into judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָ֖הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee)
קָ֑יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Object of אֶל (addressee)
לָ֚מָּהwhy?prep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative adverb (reason question)לָמָּה 'why?'; the divine question exposes Cain's inner state — God questions not from ignorance but to bring the agent into moral speech.
חָ֣רָהhas it burnedQal perf 3ms · חָרָה (H2734)Predicate verb (interrogative clause)→ Perfective: stative — settled inner condition of angerחָרָה (H2734) 'to burn, be hot'; anger described as interior fire; cf. the same root in v.5.
לָ֔ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms sufDative of anger idiom (it burns to you)Prep לְ with 2ms pronominal suffix; the idiom חָרָה לְ places the anger as something burning within the person.
וְלָ֖מָּהand why?conj וְ + prep לְ + interrog · מָה (H4100)Repeated interrogative (parallel question)
נָפְל֥וּhave fallenQal perf 3cp · נָפַל (H5307)Predicate verb (second interrogative clause)→ Perfective: completed state — fallen face already visibleנָפַל (H5307) 'to fall'; the fallen face as outward sign of inner dejection echoes v.5.
פָנֶֽיךָyour faceN (pl) constr + 2ms suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Subject of נָפְלוּ (the face as moral index)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; the divine question mirrors exactly what the narrator observed in v.5.
7
הֲל֤וֹא אִם תֵּיטִיב֙ שְׂאֵ֔ת וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א תֵיטִ֔יב לַפֶּ֖תַח חַטָּ֣את רֹבֵ֑ץ וְאֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ תְּשׁ֣וּקָת֔וֹ וְאַתָּ֖ה תִּמְשָׁל בּֽוֹ
Is it not so: if you do well, there is lifting up? But if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door, and toward you is its desire, but you must rule over it.
This is the narrative's crucial warning. The syntax is compressed and debated, but the moral force is clear: Cain stands at a threshold where doing well leads to restored bearing, while refusal leaves him vulnerable to sin as a crouching power whose desire is to master him. The final clause makes human responsibility explicit rather than automatic.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
הֲל֤וֹאis it not sointerrog הֲ + neg · לֹא (H3808)Rhetorical interrogative (expecting affirmation)הֲלוֹא 'is it not?'; a rhetorical opener expecting 'yes'; draws Cain into acknowledging what he already knows.
אִםifconj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (first protasis)אִם (H518) 'if'; marks the conditional clause — the positive option placed first.
תֵּיטִיב֙you do wellHiphil impf 2ms · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb (first protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — ongoing or potential right actionיָטַב (H3190) 'to be good, do well'; Hiphil 'to do good, act rightly'; the moral alternative offered to Cain.
שְׂאֵ֔תlifting upN f sg abs · שְׂאֵת (H7613)Predicate/apodosis of first conditionשְׂאֵת (H7613) 'lifting, exaltation, dignity'; restored standing if Cain acts rightly; from נָשָׂא 'to lift'.
וְאִם֙but ifconj וְ + conj · אִם (H518)Conditional conjunction (second protasis, contrastive)
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of second condition
תֵיטִ֔יבyou do wellHiphil impf 2ms · יָטַב (H3190)Predicate verb (second protasis, negated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — potential failureיָטַב (H3190) 'to do well'; same as v.7i2, now negated — refusal of the right way.
לַפֶּ֖תַחat the doorprep לְ + art + N m sg abs · פֶּתַח (H6607)Locative phrase (where sin crouches)פֶּתַח (H6607) 'opening, doorway'; the threshold image locates sin as a predator in ambush just outside.
חַטָּ֣אתsinN f sg abs · חַטָּאת (H2403)Subject of רֹבֵץחַטָּאת (H2403) 'sin, sin-offering'; personified as a predatory creature; the beast-like personification of sin is unique in the Hebrew Bible.
רֹבֵ֑ץcrouchingQal ptc m sg abs · רָבַץ (H7257)Predicate participle (sin crouches at door)→ Participle: ongoing/characteristic activity — ever-present threatרָבַץ (H7257) 'to lie down, crouch'; used of animals in ambush (Gen 49:9); sin as a crouching predator desiring mastery.
וְאֵלֶ֨יךָ֙and toward youconj וְ + prep אֶל + 2ms suf · אֶל (H413)Prepositional phrase (fronted for emphasis)אֶל (H413) with 2ms suffix; fronting heightens the personal address — sin's desire is directed specifically at Cain.
תְּשׁ֣וּקָת֔וֹits desireN f sg constr + 3ms suf · תְּשׁוּקָה (H8669)Subject (desire is toward you — ellipsis)תְּשׁוּקָה (H8669) 'desire, craving'; appears only here, Gen 3:16, and Song 7:10; the echo with 3:16 is pointed: sin's desire for Cain mirrors the woman's desire for the man.
וְאַתָּ֖הbut youconj וְ + pronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of תִּמְשָׁל (contrastive, emphatic)אַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; emphatic contrast — Cain himself must rule.
תִּמְשָׁלshall ruleQal impf 2ms · מָשַׁל (H4910)Predicate verb (apodosis — obligation or possibility)→ Yiqtol: imperfective/modal — obligatory mastery over sinמָשַׁל (H4910) 'to rule, have dominion over'; same root as Gen 3:16 (man over woman); Cain is urged to master sin as he could master a beast.
בּֽוֹover itprep בְּ + 3ms sufPrepositional object of תִּמְשָׁלprep בְּ with 3ms suffix; refers to sin (חַטָּאת, f., treated as m. in the pronoun — possibly a grammatical shift).
8
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר קַ֖יִן אֶל הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑יו וַֽיְהִי֙ בִּהְיוֹתָ֣ם בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה וַיָּ֥קָם קַ֛יִן אֶל הֶ֥בֶל אָחִ֖יו וַיַּהַרְגֵֽהוּ
And Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.
The narrative moves abruptly from Cain's speech introduction to the murder itself, preserving the MT's terse form without the fuller quoted line found in some ancient witnesses. The sequence shifts from apparently ordinary brotherly address to violent action in the field.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand spokeconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing speech (MT lacks the quoted clause)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceאָמַר (H559) 'to say'; the MT provides the speech-introduction but no quoted words; several ancient witnesses supply the missing clause.
קַ֖יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee)
הֶ֣בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Object of אֶל (addressee)
אָחִ֑יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אָח (H251)Appositive to Abel (first occurrence)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the fraternal bond is named twice in this verse, sharpening the horror of what follows.
וַֽיְהִי֙and it came to passconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing temporal circumstance→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בִּהְיוֹתָ֣םwhen they wereprep בְּ + Qal inf constr + 3mp suf · הָיָה (H1961)Temporal infinitive clause (circumstance of murder)הָיָה (H1961); prep בְּ + inf constr with subject suffix marks circumstantial temporal clause.
בַּשָּׂדֶ֔הin the fieldprep בְּ + art + N m sg abs · שָׂדֶה (H7704)Locative phrase (setting of the murder)שָׂדֶה (H7704) 'field, open country'; the field is unwitnessed — the archetypal scene of vulnerability and crime.
וַיָּ֥קָםand rose upconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קוּם (H6965)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (prelude to murder)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקוּם (H6965) 'to rise, arise'; קָם עַל/אֶל 'rose against' is an idiomatic expression of hostile action.
קַ֛יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיָּקָם
אֶלagainstprep · אֶל (H413)Preposition marking hostile direction
הֶ֥בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Object of the hostile action
אָחִ֖יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אָח (H251)Appositive to Abel (second — intensifying)אָח (H251) 'brother'; repeated for rhetorical weight; the kinship is foregrounded as the murder occurs.
וַיַּהַרְגֵֽהוּand killed himconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms + 3ms obj suf · הָרַג (H2026)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the murder)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded, irreversible narrative actהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the first homicide in Scripture; the pronominal suffix refers to Abel.
9
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל קַ֔יִן אֵ֖י הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑יךָ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי הֲשֹׁמֵ֥ר אָחִ֖י אָנֹֽכִי
Then Yahweh said to Cain, 'Where is Abel your brother?' And he said, 'I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?'
Yahweh's interrogation follows the murder in judicial sequence, echoing earlier divine questioning in Genesis. Cain's reply compounds the crime with denial and cynical deflection, turning brotherhood into a refused obligation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
וַיֹּ֤אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing divine speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
יְהוָה֙YHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee)
קַ֔יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Object of אֶל (addressee)
אֵ֖יwhere?interrog · אַיֵּה (H335)Interrogative adverb (locative question)אַיֵּה (H335) 'where?'; cf. Gen 3:9; God's question echoes the earlier search for the human in the garden — judicial interrogation, not ignorance.
הֶ֣בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Subject of implied predicate (where is Abel?)
אָחִ֑יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suf · אָח (H251)Appositive to Abel (2ms suf — your brother)אָח (H251) 'brother'; the divine question names Abel as 'your brother,' pressing Cain's responsibility directly.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙and he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing Cain's reply→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֹ֣אnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation of following verb
יָדַ֔עְתִּיI knowQal perf 1cs · יָדַע (H3045)Predicate verb (Cain's denial)→ Perfective: stative — professed ignoranceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; Cain's denial is a lie — the first recorded lie in the Bible; the same root as v.1's marital 'knowing.'
הֲשֹׁמֵ֥רkeeperinterrog הֲ + Qal ptc m sg abs · שָׁמַר (H8104)Interrogative predicate (rhetorical deflection)→ Participle: ongoing/characteristic activity — rhetoricalשָׁמַר (H8104) 'to keep, guard, watch'; Cain's bitter counter-question turns the language of caregiving into sarcasm.
אָחִ֖יmy brotherN m sg constr + 1cs suf · אָח (H251)Object of שֹׁמֵר (genitive construct)אָח (H251) 'brother'; 'my brother's keeper' — brotherhood and its obligations are the crux Cain rejects.
אָנֹֽכִיIpronoun 1cs · אָנֹכִי (H595)Subject of rhetorical question (emphatic pronoun)אָנֹכִי (H595) 'I'; the emphatic first-person pronoun intensifies the rhetorical deflection.
10
וַיֹּ֖אמֶר מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֑יתָ ק֚וֹל דְּמֵ֣י אָחִ֔יךָ צֹעֲקִ֥ים אֵלַ֖י מִן הָֽאֲדָמָֽה
And he said, 'What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground.'
The divine speech turns from question to accusation. Abel's spilled blood is personified as a witness crying from the ground, so the hidden crime becomes publicly legible before God and creation alike.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַיֹּ֖אמֶרand he saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol (YHWH's response continues)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
מֶ֣הwhat?interrog · מָה (H4100)Interrogative pronoun (accusatory question)מָה (H4100) 'what?'; the divine question is accusatory, not inquisitive — 'what have you done?' already knows the answer.
עָשִׂ֑יתָyou have doneQal perf 2ms · עָשָׂה (H6213)Predicate verb (accusatory interrogative)→ Perfective: completed irreversible actעָשָׂה (H6213) 'to do, make, act'; the same question form as Gen 3:13 to the woman — the pattern of divine accusation recurs.
ק֚וֹלvoiceN m sg constr · קוֹל (H6963)Subject of צֹעֲקִים (construct chain)קוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; 'the voice of your brother's blood cries' — blood personified as a witness bearing testimony.
דְּמֵ֣יblood ofN m pl constr · דָּם (H1818)Genitive after קוֹל (construct chain)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; plural דָּמִים denotes shed/guilty blood; here the spilled blood is personified as crying out.
אָחִ֔יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suf · אָח (H251)Genitive after דְּמֵיאָח (H251) 'brother'; the three-fold repetition of 'brother' in vv.8–10 is rhetorically relentless.
צֹעֲקִ֥יםcrying outQal ptc m pl abs · צָעַק (H6817)Predicate participle (blood cries out — personification)→ Participle: ongoing/characteristic activity — continual cryצָעַק (H6817) 'to cry out, call'; typically of humans appealing to God or a judge; the blood's cry is a forensic witness demanding justice.
אֵלַ֖יto meprep אֶל + 1cs suf · אֶל (H413)Indirect object (the cry reaches YHWH)
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Source prepositionמִן (H4480) 'from'; marks the ground as the source of the cry.
הָֽאֲדָמָֽהthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Source of the blood's cryאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground'; the same ground Cain tills has received Abel's blood and now speaks against him.
11
וְעַתָּ֖ה אָר֣וּר אָ֑תָּה מִן הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּצְתָ֣ה אֶת פִּ֔יהָ לָקַ֛חַת אֶת דְּמֵ֥י אָחִ֖יךָ מִיָּדֶֽךָ
And now you are cursed from the ground, which opened its mouth to take your brother's blood from your hand.
The sentence moves from accusation to sanction. Cain's curse is tied specifically to the ground, which has received Abel's blood and now stands in hostile relation to the farmer who defiled it.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וְעַתָּ֖הand nowconj וְ + adv · עַתָּה (H6258)Temporal adverb marking transition to sanctionעַתָּה (H6258) 'now'; וְעַתָּה marks a decisive transition from accusation to judgment.
אָר֣וּרcursedQal passive ptc m sg abs · אָרַר (H779)Predicate (curse formula — verbless clause)→ Passive participle: resultant state — cursed conditionאָרַר (H779) 'to curse'; the Qal pass. ptc as predicate is the standard curse formula; Cain now joins the ground (Gen 3:17) in bearing a divine curse.
אָ֑תָּהyoupronoun 2ms · אַתָּה (H859)Subject of the curse formulaאַתָּה (H859) 2ms independent pronoun; Cain himself is the bearer of the curse.
מִןfromprep · מִן (H4480)Separative preposition (cursed away from)
הָֽאֲדָמָה֙the groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Source/sphere of the curseאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground'; the ground that received Abel's blood now expels its tiller; the curse is specific to Cain's vocation.
אֲשֶׁ֣רwhichrelative · אֲשֶׁר (H834)Relative clause markerאֲשֶׁר (H834) 'which, that'; introduces the relative clause explaining why the ground is the curse's sphere.
פָּצְתָ֣הit openedQal perf 3fs · פָּצָה (H6475)Predicate verb (relative clause)→ Perfective: completed action — the ground already actedפָּצָה (H6475) 'to open wide'; used of opening the mouth; the ground 'opening its mouth' personifies it as a receiver and witness.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
פִּ֔יהָits mouthN m sg constr + 3fs suf · פֶּה (H6310)Direct object of פָּצְתָהפֶּה (H6310) 'mouth'; the ground's 'opening its mouth' is a bold personification — it drank Abel's blood like a creature.
לָקַ֛חַתto takeprep לְ + Qal inf constr · לָקַח (H3947)Infinitive of purpose (why the ground opened)לָקַח (H3947) 'to take, receive'; the ground opened to take Abel's blood — a grim image of the earth as an involuntary witness.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
דְּמֵ֥יblood ofN m pl constr · דָּם (H1818)Direct object of לָקַחַת (construct chain)דָּם (H1818) 'blood'; plural of guilty blood; the ground drank the blood Cain shed.
אָחִ֖יךָyour brotherN m sg constr + 2ms suf · אָח (H251)Genitive after דְּמֵי
מִיָּדֶֽךָfrom your handprep מִן + N f sg constr + 2ms suf · יָד (H3027)Source prepositional phrase (blood from Cain's hand)יָד (H3027) 'hand'; the 'hand' is the instrument of the crime; the blood was taken 'from your hand' — legal language of responsibility.
12
כִּ֤י תַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה לֹֽא תֹסֵ֥ף תֵּת כֹּחָ֖הּ לָ֑ךְ נָ֥ע וָנָ֖ד תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה בָאָֽרֶץ
When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you shall be a wanderer and a fugitive in the earth.
The curse is specified in practical terms suited to Cain's vocation. The farmer loses the ground's productive cooperation and is condemned to restless instability, so punishment answers both his occupation and his violence.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
כִּ֤יwhenconj · כִּי (H3588)Temporal/causal conjunctionכִּי (H3588) 'when, because'; introduces the condition specifying how the curse operates.
תַֽעֲבֹד֙you workQal impf 2ms · עָבַד (H5647)Predicate verb (temporal protasis)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — habitual future actionעָבַד (H5647) 'to work, till'; the same root as Cain's vocation in v.2; now that very labor is under curse.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Direct object of תַעֲבֹדאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground'; the ground that received Abel's blood will no longer cooperate with its tiller.
לֹֽאnotneg particle · לֹא (H3808)Negation
תֹסֵ֥ףwill again yieldHiphil juss/impf 3fs · יָסַף (H3254)Predicate verb (negated — ground's failure)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future refusalיָסַף (H3254) 'to add, continue'; Hiphil 3fs subject = the ground; 'will no longer give' — reversal of Gen 4:2's fruitfulness.
תֵּתto giveQal inf constr · נָתַן (H5414)Infinitive complement of תֹסֵף (what it will no longer do)נָתַן (H5414) 'to give, grant'; the ground's productivity is now withheld; the word for giving becomes the word for what is withdrawn.
כֹּחָ֖הּits strengthN m sg constr + 3fs suf · כֹּחַ (H3581)Direct object of תֵּתכֹּחַ (H3581) 'strength, power, vigor'; the ground's productive vitality is denied to Cain — the farmer's tool is broken.
לָ֑ךְto youprep לְ + 2ms sufIndirect object (withheld from Cain)
נָ֥עwanderingQal ptc m sg abs · נָעַ (H5128)Predicate ptc (first of paired description)→ Participle: ongoing/characteristic state — restless movementנוּעַ (H5128) 'to waver, wander, totter'; describes restless, aimless movement; paired with נָד in a hendiadys.
וָנָ֖דand fugitiveconj וָ + Qal ptc m sg abs · נָד (H5110)Predicate ptc (second — hendiadys with נָע)→ Participle: ongoing/characteristic state — driven wanderingנוּד (H5110) 'to wander, flee, be driven'; the two participles together (נָע וָנָד) form the hendiadys for total restlessness; the place-name 'Nod' (v.16) echoes this root.
תִּֽהְיֶ֥הyou shall beQal impf 2ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (the sentence stated)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — declarative future sentenceהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; the impf as declaration of Cain's condemned state from here forward.
בָאָֽרֶץin the earthprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative phrase (sphere of wandering)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; the whole earth is the theatre of his punishment — no settled place anywhere.
13
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר קַ֖יִן אֶל יְהוָ֑ה גָּד֥וֹל עֲוֺנִ֖י מִנְּשֹֽׂא
And Cain said to Yahweh, 'My punishment is too great to bear.'
After hearing the curse and sentence of wandering, Cain now responds directly to Yahweh. The line is brief and famous for the semantic breadth of עָוֺן, which can denote guilt, iniquity, or the punishment borne for it; in this context Cain's complaint is directed toward the burden of the sentence just announced.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing Cain's lament→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
קַ֖יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
אֶלtoprep · אֶל (H413)Directional preposition (addressee)
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Addressee
גָּד֥וֹלgreat/too greatadj m sg abs · גָּדוֹל (H1419)Predicate adjective (verbless clause)גָּדוֹל (H1419) 'great, large'; fronted for emphasis; 'my punishment is greater than I can bear' — comparative sense with מִן.
עֲוֺנִ֖יmy punishmentN (c) sg constr + 1cs suf · עָוֺן (H5771)Subject of verbless clauseעָוֺן (H5771) 'iniquity, guilt, punishment'; semantically broad — denotes the sin itself, the guilt incurred, and the punishment suffered; Cain may be speaking of all three.
מִנְּשֹֽׂאthan bearingprep מִן + Qal inf constr · נָשָׂא (H5375)Comparative infinitive phrase (too great to bear)נָשָׂא (H5375) 'to lift, carry, bear'; מִן + inf constr = 'too [great] to bear'; the idiom expresses unbearable weight.
14
הֵן֩ גֵּרַ֨שְׁתָּ אֹתִ֜י הַיּ֗וֹם מֵעַל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה וּמִפָּנֶ֖יךָ אֶסָּתֵ֑ר וְהָיִ֜יתִי נָ֤ע וָנָד֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ וְהָיָ֥ה כָל מֹצְאִ֖י יַֽהַרְגֵֽנִי
Behold, today you have driven me away from the face of the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden; and I shall be a wanderer and a fugitive on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.
Cain now unfolds what he thinks the sentence means in practice: expulsion from the cultivated ground, estrangement from Yahweh's presence, restless wandering, and exposure to retaliatory violence. The verse is rhetorically cumulative, moving from divine banishment to human vulnerability.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
הֵן֩beholdparticle · הֵן (H2005)Attention particle (exclamatory)הֵן (H2005) 'behold, see, lo'; exclamatory particle drawing attention to the stakes Cain now lays out.
גֵּרַ֨שְׁתָּyou have drivenPiel perf 2ms · גָּרַשׁ (H1644)Predicate verb (first item of complaint)→ Perfective: completed act of expulsionגָּרַשׁ (H1644) 'to drive out, expel'; Piel intensive; the same root used of humanity's expulsion from Eden (Gen 3:24); Cain frames his exile in the same language.
אֹתִ֜יmeobj marker + 1cs suf · אֵת (H853)Direct object of גֵּרַשְׁתָּאֵת (H853) obj marker with 1cs suffix; Cain is the object of divine expulsion.
הַיּ֗וֹםtodayart + N m sg abs · יוֹם (H3117)Temporal adverb (immediate force)יוֹם (H3117) 'day'; 'today' underscores the immediacy and totality of the sentence.
מֵעַל֙from uponprep מִן + prep עַל · עַל (H5921)Compound preposition (from upon the surface of)עַל (H5921) 'upon'; מֵעַל פְּנֵי 'from upon the face of' = away from the surface of.
פְּנֵ֣יface ofN (pl) constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Object of compound prepositionפָּנִים (H6440) 'face, surface'; מֵעַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה = 'from upon the face/surface of the ground.'
הָֽאֲדָמָ֔הthe groundart + N f sg abs · אֲדָמָה (H127)Genitive after פְּנֵיאֲדָמָה (H127) 'ground'; the sphere from which he is expelled — the cursed ground he worked.
וּמִפָּנֶ֖יךָand from your faceconj וּ + prep מִן + N (pl) constr + 2ms suf · פָּנִים (H6440)Coordinated prepositional phrase (estranged from YHWH)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face'; to be hidden from God's face is to be cut off from his presence and protection.
אֶסָּתֵ֑רI shall be hiddenNiphal impf 1cs · סָתַר (H5641)Predicate verb (second consequence)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — future state of hiddennessסָתַר (H5641) 'to hide, conceal'; Niphal reflexive/passive 'I shall be hidden' from God's presence — the deepest aspect of exile.
וְהָיִ֜יתִיand I shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 1cs · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal of consecutive future→ Weqatal: consecutive future narrativeהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; weqatal continues the future sequence of exile's consequences.
נָ֤עwanderingQal ptc m sg abs · נוּעַ (H5128)Predicate participle (first of paired description)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic stateנוּעַ (H5128) 'to wander, totter'; Cain echoes the very words of the divine sentence (v.12), acknowledging the condemnation.
וָנָד֙and fugitiveconj וָ + Qal ptc m sg abs · נוּד (H5110)Predicate participle (second — hendiadys)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic stateנוּד (H5110) 'to wander, be driven away'; paired with נָע = total restless wandering; Cain repeats YHWH's sentence almost verbatim.
בָּאָ֔רֶץin the earthprep בְּ + art + N (c) sg abs · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative phrase (sphere of wandering)
וְהָיָ֥הand it shall beconj וְ + Qal weqatal 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Weqatal introducing result clause→ Weqatal: consecutive future result
כָלwhoeverN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Indefinite subject (construct with participle)כֹּל (H3605) 'all, every, whoever'; with ptc = 'everyone who finds me.'
מֹצְאִ֖יfinds meQal ptc m sg constr + 1cs suf · מָצָא (H4672)Participial relative clause (subject)→ Participle: ongoing potential actionמָצָא (H4672) 'to find, encounter'; ptc + suffix = 'one who finds me'; Cain fears open-ended retaliatory justice from any passer-by.
יַֽהַרְגֵֽנִיwill kill meQal impf 3ms + 1cs obj suf · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (feared consequence)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — anticipated future threatהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the same verb used of Cain's own act (v.8); the irony of the murderer fearing murder.
15
וַיֹּ֧אמֶר ל֣וֹ יְהוָ֗ה לָכֵן֙ כָּל הֹרֵ֣ג קַ֔יִן שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקָּ֑ם וַיָּ֨שֶׂם יְהוָ֤ה לְקַ֨יִן֙ א֔וֹת לְבִלְתִּ֥י הַכּוֹת אֹת֖וֹ כָּל מֹצְאֽוֹ
And Yahweh said to him, 'Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.' And Yahweh set a sign for Cain, lest anyone finding him should strike him.
Yahweh answers Cain's fear not by revoking the sentence but by limiting retaliatory violence. The verse contains both a spoken protection formula and a concrete act of protection in the placing of the אוֹת. The text does not specify the mark's physical nature; its narrative function is deterrent and protective.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
וַיֹּ֧אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing divine reply→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
ל֣וֹto himprep לְ + 3ms sufIndirect object (addressee)
יְהוָ֗הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
לָכֵן֙thereforeprep לְ + adv · כֵּן (H3651)Inferential adverb (consequential)לָכֵן (l + H3651) 'therefore, so'; introduces YHWH's counter-decree in response to Cain's plea.
כָּלwhoeverN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Indefinite subject (construct with participle)
הֹרֵ֣גkillsQal ptc m sg constr · הָרַג (H2026)Participial relative clause (subject)→ Participle: ongoing potential actionהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill'; ptc in construct = 'whoever kills Cain'; the decree is preemptive and general.
קַ֔יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Object of הֹרֵג (construct)
שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִםsevenfoldN f dual abs · שִׁבְעָתַיִם (H7659)Adverbial accusative (measure of vengeance)שִׁבְעָתַיִם (H7659) 'sevenfold'; the dual of שֶׁבַע marks an intensified multiplier of retribution; later inverted by Lamech in v.24.
יֻקָּ֑םshall be avengedHophal impf 3ms · נָקַם (H5358)Predicate verb (the decree of protection)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — declarative future consequenceנָקַם (H5358) 'to avenge, take vengeance'; Hophal passive 'shall be avenged'; YHWH himself is the guarantor of the sevenfold vengeance.
וַיָּ֨שֶׂםand setconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · שִׂים (H7760)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (the sign placed)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceשִׂים (H7760) 'to place, put, set'; the act of placing the sign is a concrete, named divine action.
יְהוָ֤הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Subject of וַיָּשֶׂם
לְקַ֨יִן֙for Cainprep לְ + proper N · קַיִן (H7014)Beneficiary of the sign
א֔וֹתa signN (c) sg abs · אוֹת (H226)Direct object of וַיָּשֶׂםאוֹת (H226) 'sign, mark'; the MT leaves the sign's nature undefined; its narrative function is purely deterrent and protective.
לְבִלְתִּ֥יlestprep לְ + conj · בִּלְתִּי (H1115)Negative purpose conjunctionלְבִלְתִּי (l + H1115) 'lest, in order not to'; introduces the negative purpose of the sign.
הַכּוֹתstrikingHiphil inf constr · נָכָה (H5221)Infinitive of purpose (negative)נָכָה (H5221) 'to strike, smite'; Hiphil inf constr after לְבִלְתִּי = 'lest anyone strike him.'
אֹת֖וֹhimobj marker + 3ms suf · אֵת (H853)Object of הַכּוֹת
כָּלwhoeverN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Indefinite subject (construct with participle)
מֹצְאֽוֹfinds himQal ptc m sg constr + 3ms suf · מָצָא (H4672)Participial relative clause (subject of striking)→ Participle: ongoing potential actionמָצָא (H4672) 'to find'; ptc + suffix echoes Cain's own fear in v.14 verbatim — YHWH addresses exactly what was feared.
16
וַיֵּ֥צֵא קַ֖יִן מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב בְּאֶֽרֶץ נ֖וֹד קִדְמַת עֵֽדֶן
Then Cain went out from before Yahweh and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
The divine exchange closes with narrative execution. Cain leaves 'from before Yahweh' and takes up residence in the land of Nod, whose very name echoes wandering. The verse fixes exile geographically and theologically at once: Cain is east of Eden and away from the divine presence.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
וַיֵּ֥צֵאand went outconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָצָא (H3318)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (departure)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָצָא (H3318) 'to go out, depart'; Cain's going out 'from before YHWH' is the enacted consequence of his exile.
קַ֖יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיֵּצֵא
מִלִּפְנֵ֣יfrom beforeprep מִן + prep לְ + N (pl) constr · פָּנִים (H6440)Compound prepositional phrase (source — YHWH's presence)פָּנִים (H6440) 'face, presence'; מִלִּפְנֵי = 'from before, away from the presence of'; theological departure from divine presence.
יְהוָ֑הYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Object of compound prepositionיְהוָה (H3068); to depart from YHWH's presence is the deepest dimension of Cain's exile.
וַיֵּ֥שֶׁבand settledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָשַׁב (H3427)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (settlement)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell, settle'; the irony is sharp: the 'wanderer' (v.12) immediately settles — judgment and narrative quickly diverge.
בְּאֶֽרֶץin land ofprep בְּ + N (c) sg constr · אֶרֶץ (H776)Locative phrase (place of settlement)אֶרֶץ (H776) 'earth, land'; in construct with the place-name Nod.
נ֖וֹדNodproper N · נוֹד (H5113)Genitive (place name — land of Nod)נוֹד (H5113), the land of Nod; the name echoes נוּד (H5110) 'to wander'; even the exile's address is named after wandering.
קִדְמַתeast ofN f sg constr · קֶדֶם (H6926)Directional phrase in constructקֶדֶם (H6926) 'east, front'; קִדְמַת עֵדֶן 'east of Eden' mirrors Gen 3:24; exile is always 'further east' in Genesis geography.
עֵֽדֶןEdenproper N · עֵדֶן (H5731)Genitive after קִדְמַתעֵדֶן (H5731), Eden; the geographic marker fixes Cain's exile as a second degree of eastward distance from the garden.
17
וַיֵּ֤דַע קַ֨יִן֙ אֶת אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד אֶת חֲנ֑וֹךְ וַֽיְהִי֙ בֹּ֣נֶה עִ֔יר וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הָעִ֔יר כְּשֵׁ֖ם בְּנ֥וֹ חֲנֽוֹךְ
And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch; and he became a builder of a city, and he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch.
After Cain's departure the narrative resumes with generation and construction rather than with further divine speech. The verse links the birth of Cain's son with the founding of urban life, so that the first city in the narrative arises within the marked and wandering line of Cain.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֵּ֤דַעand knewconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; same marital idiom as v.1; the genealogy of Cain's line begins with the same verb that opened the chapter.
קַ֨יִן֙Cainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of וַיֵּדַע
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹhis wifeN f sg constr + 3ms suf · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct objectאִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; the text does not explain where Cain's wife originates — the narrative moves forward without comment.
וַתַּ֖הַרand she conceivedconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · הָרָה (H2029)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand she boreconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
חֲנ֑וֹךְEnochproper N · חֲנוֹךְ (H2585)Direct object (proper name)חֲנוֹךְ (H2585), Enoch; the name means 'dedicated, initiated'; this Enoch of Cain's line is distinct from the Enoch of Seth's line (Gen 5).
וַֽיְהִי֙and he wasconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Wayyiqtol introducing occupational description→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בֹּ֣נֶהbuildingQal ptc m sg abs · בָּנָה (H1129)Predicate participle (occupation)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activity — city-builderבָּנָה (H1129) 'to build'; the first city in Scripture is built by a murderer's son in the line of the exile; urban life begins in Cain's genealogy.
עִ֔ירa cityN f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Direct object of בֹּנֶהעִיר (H5892) 'city, town'; the first city in the Bible; its founding within Cain's line associates urban civilization with the fallen genealogy.
וַיִּקְרָא֙and he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (name-giving)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; name-giving marks significance and claim.
שֵׁ֣םname ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object in construct chainשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the city named after the son makes Enoch's name a lasting monument.
הָעִ֔ירthe cityart + N f sg abs · עִיר (H5892)Genitive after שֵׁם
כְּשֵׁ֖םaccording to name ofprep כְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Comparative prepositional phraseשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the city is named after the son — a monument of paternal devotion in exile.
בְּנ֥וֹhis sonN m sg constr + 3ms suf · בֵּן (H1121)Genitive after כְּשֵׁםבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the city named for the son extends the father's name and legacy.
חֲנֽוֹךְEnochproper N · חֲנוֹךְ (H2585)Appositive (the name itself)
18
וַיִּוָּלֵ֤ד לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ אֶת עִירָ֔ד וְעִירָ֕ד יָלַ֖ד אֶת מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑ל וּמְחִיּיָאֵ֗ל יָלַד֙ אֶת מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔ל וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖ל יָלַ֥ד אֶת לָֽמֶךְ
And to Enoch was born Irad; and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech.
The verse compresses four generations into a formulaic chain. Its rhythm is intentionally spare: the line of Cain moves forward quickly toward Lamech, the figure in whom the section's moral escalation will become explicit.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וַיִּוָּלֵ֤דwas bornconj וַ + Niphal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of genealogical sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָלַד (H3205) Niphal 'to be born'; the passive frames the genealogy from the perspective of new lives generated.
לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙to Enochprep לְ + proper N · חֲנוֹךְ (H2585)Dative (born to Enoch)
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
עִירָ֔דIradproper N · עִירָד (H5897)Direct object (person born)עִירָד (H5897), Irad; a name found only in Cain's genealogy; etymology uncertain.
וְעִירָ֕דand Iradconj וְ + proper N · עִירָד (H5897)Subject of new genealogical clause
יָלַ֖דfatheredQal perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (genealogical formula)→ Perfective: completed act of begettingיָלַד (H3205) Qal 'to beget, father'; the standard genealogical verb used in active sense for the father.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑לMehujaelproper N · מְחוּיָאֵל (H4232)Direct object (person fathered)מְחוּיָאֵל (H4232), Mehujael; may mean 'smitten of God'; appears only in Cain's line.
וּמְחִיּיָאֵ֗לand Mehujaelconj וּ + proper N · מְחוּיָאֵל (H4232)Subject of next genealogical clause
יָלַד֙fatheredQal perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (genealogical formula)→ Perfective: completed act of begetting
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔לMethushaelproper N · מְתוּשָׁאֵל (H4967)Direct objectמְתוּשָׁאֵל (H4967), Methushael; possibly 'man of God' or 'man of Sheol'; an archaic name in Cain's genealogy.
וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖לand Methushaelconj וּ + proper N · מְתוּשָׁאֵל (H4967)Subject of next genealogical clause
יָלַ֥דfatheredQal perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (genealogical formula)→ Perfective: completed act of begetting
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
לָֽמֶךְLamechproper N · לֶמֶךְ (H3929)Direct object (the climactic figure)לֶמֶךְ (H3929), Lamech; the genealogy accelerates to this name — the moral escalation of Cain's line reaches its peak in Lamech's violence and boast.
19
וַיִּֽקַּֽח ל֥וֹ לֶ֖מֶךְ שְׁתֵּ֣י נָשִׁ֑ים שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ עָדָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית צִלָּֽה
And Lamech took for himself two wives; the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah.
The genealogy slows briefly to mark Lamech's domestic arrangement before turning to his children and his speech. The notice is terse but striking: the taking of two wives introduces the first explicit polygamous household in the biblical narrative.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
וַיִּֽקַּֽחand tookconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · לָקַח (H3947)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceלָקַח (H3947) 'to take'; the idiom לָקַח אִשָּׁה 'took a wife' = married; here 'took two wives' is the first polygamy in Scripture.
ל֥וֹfor himselfprep לְ + 3ms sufReflexive dative (for his own benefit)prep לְ + 3ms suf; reflexive dative emphasizing personal acquisition.
לֶ֖מֶךְLamechproper N · לֶמֶךְ (H3929)Subject of וַיִּקַּח
שְׁתֵּ֣יtwonumeral f dual constr · שְׁתַּיִם (H8147)Direct object in construct chainשְׁתַּיִם (H8147) 'two' (f); in construct with women; the first mention of bigamy in the Bible.
נָשִׁ֑יםwivesN f pl abs · אִשָּׁה (H802)Genitive after שְׁתֵּיאִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife, woman'; two wives departs from the one-flesh pattern of Gen 2:24.
שֵׁ֤םname ofN m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of verbless clause
הָֽאַחַת֙the oneart + numeral f sg abs · אַחַת (H259)Genitive specifying the first wifeאַחַת (H259) 'one (f)'; the ordinal 'the one' introduces the first wife.
עָדָ֔הAdahproper N · עָדָה (H5711)Predicate of verbless clause (her name)עָדָה (H5711), Adah; possibly 'ornament' or 'adornment'; one of the first named women in the narrative.
וְשֵׁ֥םand name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of second verbless clause
הַשֵּׁנִ֖יתthe secondart + ordinal f sg abs · שֵׁנִית (H8145)Genitive specifying the second wifeשֵׁנִי (H8145) 'second'; the ordinal introduces the second wife in parallel structure.
צִלָּֽהZillahproper N · צִלָּה (H6741)Predicate of verbless clause (her name)צִלָּה (H6741), Zillah; possibly related to צֵל 'shadow'; her son Tubal-cain will be the metalsmith.
20
וַתֵּ֥לֶד עָדָ֖ה אֶת יָבָ֑ל ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י יֹשֵׁ֥ב אֹ֖הֶל וּמִקְנֶֽה
And Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.
The genealogy now pauses to attribute a sphere of cultural origin to Jabal. The line of Cain is not merely reproductive; it becomes the remembered source of major forms of human livelihood.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וַתֵּ֥לֶדand boreconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
עָדָ֖הAdahproper N · עָדָה (H5711)Subject of וַתֵּלֶד
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
יָבָ֑לJabalproper N · יָבָל (H2989)Direct object (proper name)יָבָל (H2989), Jabal; possibly from יוּבַל 'stream' or related to נָבַל 'to flow'; eponymous ancestor of nomadic herders.
ה֣וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject (emphatic — he was the father)
הָיָ֔הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (cultural origin statement)→ Perfective: completed/characteristic stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the ancestral-origin formula.
אֲבִ֕יfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Predicate noun in constructאָב (H1) 'father'; 'father of' in the ancestral-origin formula = originator, progenitor of a cultural class.
יֹשֵׁ֥בthose who dwell inQal ptc m sg constr · יָשַׁב (H3427)Participial relative in construct→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activityיָשַׁב (H3427) 'to sit, dwell'; ptc in construct = 'those dwelling in tents'; pastoral nomads as a social category.
אֹ֖הֶלtentN m sg abs · אֹהֶל (H168)Genitive object of יֹשֵׁב (construct)אֹהֶל (H168) 'tent'; the tent-dwelling nomadic lifestyle rooted here in Jabal's line.
וּמִקְנֶֽהand livestockconj וּ + N m sg abs · מִקְנֶה (H4735)Coordinated noun (tent and livestock together)מִקְנֶה (H4735) 'livestock, property in cattle'; from קָנָה 'to acquire'; pastoral wealth defined by movable herds.
21
וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יוּבָ֑ל ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה אֲבִ֕י כָּל תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנּ֖וֹר וְעוּגָֽב
And the name of his brother was Jubal; he was the father of all who handle the lyre and the pipe.
The narrative pairs Jabal's pastoral legacy with Jubal's musical legacy. The formula parallels the previous verse and presents artistic culture, like pastoral life, as arising within Cain's line.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
וְשֵׁ֥םand name ofconj וְ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Subject of verbless clause
אָחִ֖יוhis brotherN m sg constr + 3ms suf · אָח (H251)Genitive after שֵׁםאָח (H251) 'brother'; the fraternal pairing (Jabal/Jubal) parallels the Cain/Abel pair — brothers again define the next generation.
יוּבָ֑לJubalproper N · יוּבָל (H3106)Predicate of verbless clause (name)יוּבָל (H3106), Jubal; related to יוֹבֵל 'ram's horn, jubilee'; eponymous ancestor of musicians.
ה֣וּאhepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Subject (emphatic)
הָיָ֔הwasQal perf 3ms · הָיָה (H1961)Predicate verb (cultural origin statement)→ Perfective: completed/characteristic stateהָיָה (H1961) 'to be'; introduces the ancestral-origin formula, parallel to v.20.
אֲבִ֕יfather ofN m sg constr · אָב (H1)Predicate noun in constructאָב (H1) 'father'; originator of a cultural class of musicians.
כָּלall whoN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Genitive in construct chainכֹּל (H3605) 'all, every'; with ptc = 'all who handle the lyre and pipe.'
תֹּפֵ֥שׂhandleQal ptc m sg constr · תָּפַשׂ (H8610)Participial relative (those who handle)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activityתָּפַשׂ (H8610) 'to seize, hold, handle'; used of grasping weapons and tools; here of playing string instruments.
כִּנּ֖וֹרlyreN m sg abs · כִּנּוֹר (H3658)Direct object of תֹּפֵשׂכִּנּוֹר (H3658) 'lyre, harp'; the primary string instrument of ancient Israel; its origin attributed to Jubal's line.
וְעוּגָֽבand pipeconj וְ + N m sg abs · עוּגָב (H5748)Coordinated direct objectעוּגָב (H5748) 'pipe, flute'; a wind instrument; with כִּנּוֹר = the full range of musical arts attributed to Jubal.
22
וְצִלָּ֣ה גַם הִ֗וא יָֽלְדָה֙ אֶת תּ֣וּבַל קַ֔יִן לֹטֵ֕שׁ כָּל חֹרֵ֥שׁ נְחֹ֖שֶׁת וּבַרְזֶ֑ל וַֽאֲח֥וֹת תּֽוּבַל קַ֖יִן נַֽעֲמָֽה
And Zillah, she also bore Tubal-cain, a forger of every cutting tool of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
The pattern continues with Zillah's branch, but now the cultural note concerns metallurgy and tool-making. The verse broadens the portrait of Cain's descendants into a concentrated origin tableau for herding, music, and metalwork.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
וְצִלָּ֣הand Zillahconj וְ + proper N · צִלָּה (H6741)Subject (contrastive: second wife's branch)
גַםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; signals parallel with Adah's birth — both wives contribute to the genealogy of culture.
הִ֗ואshepronoun 3fs · הִיא (H1931)Subject (emphatic pronoun)הִיא (H1931) 3fs pronoun; emphatic — 'she also bore.'
יָֽלְדָה֙boreQal perf 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb→ Perfective: completed birthיָלַד (H3205) 'to bear, give birth'; Zillah's contribution to Cain's cultural lineage.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
תּ֣וּבַלTubal-proper N · תּוּבַל קַיִן (H8423)Direct object (compound proper name, first part)תּוּבַל קַיִן (H8423); the compound name may mean 'Cain's smith'; eponymous ancestor of metalworkers.
קַ֔יִןCainproper N · תּוּבַל קַיִן (H8423)Compound proper name (second part)
לֹטֵ֕שׁforger ofQal ptc m sg constr · לָטַשׁ (H3913)Appositive participle (Tubal-cain's description)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activity — craftsmanלָטַשׁ (H3913) 'to sharpen, forge, whet'; the ptc describes Tubal-cain's vocation as a forger of cutting tools.
כָּלeveryN m sg constr · כֹּל (H3605)Construct noun (every article of)
חֹרֵ֥שׁartisanQal ptc m sg constr · חָרַשׁ (H2794)Participial construct (craftsman of metals)→ Participle: ongoing characteristic activityחָרַשׁ (H2794) 'to engrave, cut, be a craftsman'; חֹרֵשׁ נְחֹשֶׁת = smith/craftsman in bronze; one of the foundational metalworking terms.
נְחֹ֖שֶׁתbronzeN f sg abs · נְחֹשֶׁת (H5178)Genitive after חֹרֵשׁנְחֹשֶׁת (H5178) 'bronze, copper'; the primary metal of early Near Eastern culture; its working first attributed to Tubal-cain's line.
וּבַרְזֶ֑לand ironconj וּ + N m sg abs · בַּרְזֶל (H1270)Coordinated genitive (second metal)בַּרְזֶל (H1270) 'iron'; paired with bronze as the two great metals; the attribution of ironwork to Tubal-cain may reflect cultural memory of the Iron Age's origins.
וַֽאֲח֥וֹתand sister ofconj וַ + N f sg constr · אָחוֹת (H269)Subject of appended noticeאָחוֹת (H269) 'sister'; the notice about Naamah is added without genealogical elaboration — she is simply named.
תּֽוּבַלTubal-proper N · תּוּבַל קַיִן (H8423)Genitive (sister's relation)
קַ֖יִןCainproper N · תּוּבַל קַיִן (H8423)Compound proper name (second part)
נַֽעֲמָֽהNaamahproper N · נַעֲמָה (H5279)Predicate (her name)נַעֲמָה (H5279), Naamah; 'pleasant, lovely'; one of only a handful of women named in Genesis 1–11; her inclusion is notable without explanation.
23
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר לֶ֜מֶךְ לְנָשָׁ֗יו עָדָ֤ה וְצִלָּה֙ שְׁמַ֣עַן קוֹלִ֔י נְשֵׁ֣י לֶ֔מֶךְ הַאְזֵ֖נָּה אִמְרָתִ֑י כִּ֣י אִ֤ישׁ הָרַ֨גְתִּי֙ לְפִצְעִ֔י וְיֶ֖לֶד לְחַבֻּרָתִֽי
And Lamech said to his wives, 'Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; wives of Lamech, give ear to my speech: for I have killed a man for wounding me, even a young man for striking me.'
The genealogy breaks into stylized first-person poetry. Lamech addresses his wives in parallel imperatives and boasts of retaliatory killing, turning the protected violence of Cain's story into self-magnifying vengeance.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶרand saidconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · אָמַר (H559)Wayyiqtol introducing Lamech's speech→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
לֶ֜מֶךְLamechproper N · לֶמֶךְ (H3929)Subject of וַיֹּאמֶר
לְנָשָׁ֗יוto his wivesprep לְ + N f pl constr + 3ms suf · אִשָּׁה (H802)Indirect object (addressees)אִשָּׁה (H802) 'wife'; Lamech addresses both wives — the song is a public boast within his household.
עָדָ֤הAdahproper N · עָדָה (H5711)Vocative (first wife named)
וְצִלָּה֙and Zillahconj וְ + proper N · צִלָּה (H6741)Vocative (second wife named)
שְׁמַ֣עַןhearQal impv 2fp · שָׁמַע (H8085)Imperative (poetic call to attention)→ Volitional: imperative — demand for attentionשָׁמַע (H8085) 'to hear, listen'; the 2fp imperative with the energic נ is archaic or poetic; Lamech's speech begins with a formal call to attention.
קוֹלִ֔יmy voiceN m sg constr + 1cs suf · קוֹל (H6963)Direct object of שְׁמַעַןקוֹל (H6963) 'voice, sound'; 'hear my voice' is a commanding imperative addressed to the wives as audience.
נְשֵׁ֣יwives ofN f pl constr · אִשָּׁה (H802)Vocative (renewed address in parallel)
לֶ֔מֶךְLamechproper N · לֶמֶךְ (H3929)Genitive after נְשֵׁי
הַאְזֵ֖נָּהgive earHiphil impv 2fp · אָזַן (H238)Imperative (parallel to שְׁמַעַן)→ Volitional: imperative — demand for attentionאָזַן (H238) 'to give ear, listen'; Hiphil impv 2fp with energic נ; 'give ear' is the classic parallel term to 'hear' in Hebrew poetry.
אִמְרָתִ֑יmy speechN f sg constr + 1cs suf · אִמְרָה (H565)Direct object of הַאְזֵנָּהאִמְרָה (H565) 'speech, word, utterance'; a poetic word for a formal pronouncement or poem.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (introducing the boast)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the content that justifies Lamech's demand for attention.
אִ֤ישׁa manN m sg abs · אִישׁ (H376)Direct object of הָרַגְתִּי (fronted)אִישׁ (H376) 'man'; fronted object; Lamech boasts of killing a man and a youth.
הָרַ֨גְתִּי֙I have killedQal perf 1cs · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (first poetic line)→ Perfective: completed act of killing — boastedהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the same verb as v.8 (Cain's murder); Lamech appropriates lethal violence as personal power.
לְפִצְעִ֔יfor my woundprep לְ + N m sg constr + 1cs suf · פֶּצַע (H6482)Causal prepositional phrase (provocation)פֶּצַע (H6482) 'wound, bruise'; Lamech claims he killed in response to a wound — disproportionate revenge boasted as justified.
וְיֶ֖לֶדand a youthconj וְ + N m sg abs · יֶלֶד (H3206)Coordinated direct object (second victim)יֶלֶד (H3206) 'boy, youth, young man'; the pairing of 'man' and 'youth' may be a single victim described in two terms, or may be two kills; the boast maximizes violence.
לְחַבֻּרָתִֽיfor my bruiseprep לְ + N f sg constr + 1cs suf · חַבּוּרָה (H2250)Causal prepositional phrase (parallel to לְפִצְעִי)חַבּוּרָה (H2250) 'bruise, stripe, welt'; paired with פֶּצַע as a poetic doublet for minor injury; Lamech killed for trivial wounds — the ultimate escalation of violence.
24
כִּ֥י שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקַּם קָ֑יִן וְלֶ֖מֶךְ שִׁבְעִ֥ים וְשִׁבְעָֽה
For if Cain is avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.
Lamech appropriates and magnifies the protection once granted to Cain. The line is terse to the point of menace: divine restraint in Cain's case is converted into human self-exaltation and massively inflated revenge.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (ground for boast)כִּי (H3588) 'for, because'; introduces the comparison with YHWH's protection of Cain (v.15).
שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִםsevenfoldN f dual abs · שִׁבְעָתַיִם (H7659)Adverbial accusative (measure of Cain's vengeance)שִׁבְעָתַיִם (H7659) 'sevenfold'; the protection guaranteed to Cain in v.15; Lamech appropriates and vastly magnifies it.
יֻקַּםshall be avengedHophal impf 3ms · נָקַם (H5358)Predicate verb (the divine decree recalled)→ Yiqtol: imperfective — declarative futureנָקַם (H5358) Hophal 'to be avenged'; same verb as v.15; Lamech cites God's own word as the baseline for his inflated claim.
קָ֑יִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of יֻקַּם
וְלֶ֖מֶךְand Lamechconj וְ + proper N · לֶמֶךְ (H3929)Subject of implied predicate (ellipsis)לֶמֶךְ (H3929), Lamech; the subject of the elliptical apodosis: 'and Lamech [shall be avenged] seventy-sevenfold.'
שִׁבְעִ֥יםseventynumeral m pl abs · שִׁבְעִים (H7657)Adverbial accusative (part of the inflated multiple)שִׁבְעִים (H7657) 'seventy'; together with שִׁבְעָה = 77 — a tenfold and more escalation of Cain's seven.
וְשִׁבְעָֽהand sevenconj וְ + numeral m sg abs · שִׁבְעָה (H7651)Coordinated numeral (seventy-seven total)שִׁבְעָה (H7651) 'seven'; the sum seventy-seven is astronomically beyond sevenfold; divine restraint becomes human self-magnification. Jesus inverts this in Matt 18:22.
25
וַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵׁ֑ת כִּ֣י שָֽׁת לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ זֶ֣רַע אַחֵ֔ר תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן
And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, 'God has appointed for me another seed in place of Abel, because Cain killed him.'
After the dark culmination of Cain's line, the narrative turns back to Adam and Eve with a quieter, reparative movement. Seth is interpreted not as erasure of Abel's loss but as God-given continuation in Abel's place.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
וַיֵּ֨דַעand knewconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · יָדַע (H3045)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceיָדַע (H3045) 'to know'; the marital idiom (cf. v.1) opens the counterpoint to Cain's genealogy.
אָדָ֥םAdamproper N · אָדָם (H121)Subject of וַיֵּדַעאָדָם (H121), Adam; the narrative returns to the first couple — the line of Seth traces back to the same source as Cain.
עוֹד֙againadv · עוֹד (H5750)Adverb of repetitionעוֹד (H5750) 'again, still, yet'; marks this as a renewal after Abel's death — hope renewed.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
אִשְׁתּ֔וֹhis wifeN f sg constr + 3ms suf · אִשָּׁה (H802)Direct object
וַתֵּ֣לֶדand she boreconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · יָלַד (H3205)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advance
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Direct object of וַתֵּלֶדבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; Seth's birth as a son fills the gap left by Abel's death and Cain's exile.
וַתִּקְרָ֥אand she calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3fs · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (name-giving)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; as in v.1, Eve names the child and interprets the birth.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַתִּקְרָאשֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; the act of naming interprets the birth and establishes identity.
שֵׁ֑תSethproper N · שֵׁת (H8352)Predicate (the name given)שֵׁת (H8352), Seth; Eve's wordplay links the name to שָׁת 'he appointed/placed'; the name signals divine provision.
כִּ֣יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (explaining the name)כִּי (H3588) 'for'; introduces Eve's interpretation of Seth's birth.
שָֽׁתhas appointedQal perf 3ms · שִׁית (H7896)Predicate verb (Eve's naming speech)→ Perfective: completed divine act of grantingשִׁית (H7896) 'to set, place, appoint'; Eve uses this verb to explain the name שֵׁת — God has 'placed/appointed' another seed.
לִ֤יfor meprep לְ + 1cs sufIndirect object (beneficiary)prep לְ with 1cs suf; Eve receives Seth as a divine gift in her own place.
אֱלֹהִים֙GodN m pl abs · אֱלֹהִים (H430)Subject of שָׁתאֱלֹהִים (H430), God; notably Eve uses אֱלֹהִים here rather than יְהוָה as in v.1 — the divine name shift has been much discussed.
זֶ֣רַעseedN m sg abs · זֶרַע (H2233)Direct object of שָׁתזֶרַע (H2233) 'seed, offspring'; the same word used in the proto-evangelion (Gen 3:15); Seth as 'another seed' links to the ongoing promise.
אַחֵ֔רanotheradj m sg abs · אַחֵר (H312)Attributive adjective modifying זֶרַעאַחֵר (H312) 'other, another'; 'another seed in place of Abel' — Seth is not a replacement but a continuation, another representative of the promise-bearing line.
תַּ֣חַתin place ofprep · תַּחַת (H8478)Substitutionary prepositionתַּחַת (H8478) 'under, in place of, instead of'; marks Seth as filling the void left by Abel's death.
הֶ֔בֶלAbelproper N · הֶבֶל (H1893)Object of תַּחַתהֶבֶל (H1893), Abel; the chapter closes with Abel's name one last time — the loss is named, and the provision answers it.
כִּ֥יforconj · כִּי (H3588)Causal conjunction (explaining why Abel needed replacing)
הֲרָג֖וֹhe killed himQal perf 3ms + 3ms obj suf · הָרַג (H2026)Predicate verb (causal clause)→ Perfective: completed irreversible actהָרַג (H2026) 'to kill, slay'; the suffix refers to Abel; the murder is recalled at the moment of Seth's birth — grief and hope held together.
קָֽיִןCainproper N · קַיִן (H7014)Subject of הֲרָגוֹ
26
וּלְשֵׁ֤ת גַּם הוּא֙ יֻלַּד בֵּ֔ן וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱנ֑וֹשׁ אָ֣ז הוּחַ֔ל לִקְרֹ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה
And to Seth, to him also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. Then people began to call on the name of Yahweh.
The close extends Seth's line one generation further and attaches to it a corporate note of worship. Against Cain's city, crafts, and vengeance speech, the final cadence turns toward invocation of the divine name as the narrative's theological counterweight.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
וּלְשֵׁ֤תand to Sethconj וּ + prep לְ + proper N · שֵׁת (H8352)Dative (born to Seth)שֵׁת (H8352), Seth; the genealogy of the promise-bearing line immediately continues.
גַּםalsoadv · גַּם (H1571)Additive adverbגַּם (H1571) 'also, even'; parallels the pattern of v.22 (Zillah 'also'); Seth's line likewise produces offspring.
הוּא֙hepronoun 3ms · הוּא (H1931)Resumptive subject pronoun (emphatic)הוּא (H1931) 3ms pronoun; resumes Seth as subject alongside the dative 'to Seth.'
יֻלַּדwas bornPual perf 3ms · יָלַד (H3205)Predicate verb (passive birth notice)→ Perfective: completed birthיָלַד (H3205) Pual passive 'to be born'; the passive frames the birth as something that happened to/for Seth.
בֵּ֔ןa sonN m sg abs · בֵּן (H1121)Subject of יֻלַּדבֵּן (H1121) 'son'; the line of Seth generates a son — the promise-bearing seed continues.
וַיִּקְרָ֥אand he calledconj וַ + Qal wayyiqtol 3ms · קָרָא (H7121)Wayyiqtol of narrative sequence (name-giving)→ Wayyiqtol: foregrounded narrative advanceקָרָא (H7121) 'to call, name'; the name-giving act marks the child's significance.
אֶת[obj]obj marker · אֵת (H853)Direct-object marker
שְׁמ֖וֹhis nameN m sg constr + 3ms suf · שֵׁם (H8034)Direct object of וַיִּקְרָא
אֱנ֑וֹשׁEnoshproper N · אֱנוֹשׁ (H583)Predicate (the name given)אֱנוֹשׁ (H583), Enosh; means 'mortal man, humanity' — a weaker cognate of אָדָם; the name quietly signals human frailty within the godly line.
אָ֣זthenadv · אָז (H227)Temporal adverb (historical pivot)אָז (H227) 'then, at that time'; marks a corporate and historical turning point — the beginning of formal worship.
הוּחַ֔לit was begunHophal perf 3ms · חָלַל (H2490)Predicate verb (impersonal passive — it was begun)→ Perfective: completed inaugural actחָלַל (H2490) Hophal 'to be begun, be profaned'; the Hophal impersonal passive 'it was begun' marks a communal, unnamed act of beginning; the subject is the worshiping community.
לִקְרֹ֖אto callprep לְ + Qal inf constr · קָרָא (H7121)Infinitive of purpose (what was begun)קָרָא (H7121) 'to call'; לִקְרֹא בְּשֵׁם יְהוָה 'to call on the name of YHWH' = formal, communal invocatory worship.
בְּשֵׁ֥םon the name ofprep בְּ + N m sg constr · שֵׁם (H8034)Prepositional phrase (the name invoked)שֵׁם (H8034) 'name'; 'calling on the name' is the signature of covenant worship in Genesis (cf. Gen 12:8; 13:4).
יְהוָֽהYHWHproper N · יְהוָה (H3068)Genitive after בְּשֵׁם (the name invoked)יְהוָה (H3068), the covenant name; the chapter closes with this name — against Lamech's boast and Cain's violence, the Seth line is defined by worship of YHWH.