Tag Archives: Genesis 4:15

Introduction: Justice, Restraint, and the Grammar of Protection Genesis 4:15 follows Qayin’s lament over his punishment after murdering his brother Hevel. In response, YHWH declares a protective measure, both judicial and symbolic. This verse marks a shift from retribution to preservation, framed in judicial language and divine initiative: וַיֹּ֧אמֶר לֹ֣ו יְהוָ֗ה לָכֵן֙ כָּל־הֹרֵ֣ג קַ֔יִן שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקָּ֑ם וַיָּ֨שֶׂם יְהוָ֤ה לְקַ֨יִן֙ אֹ֔ות לְבִלְתִּ֥י הַכֹּות־אֹתֹ֖ו כָּל־מֹצְאֹֽו׃ And the LORD said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Qayin, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a sign for Qayin, so that no one who found him would strike him.… Learn Hebrew