Tag Archives: Genesis 4:6

Introduction: Divine Engagement and Internal Conflict in the Cain Narrative Genesis 4:6 introduces YHWH’s first verbal response to Qayin (Cain) after his offering is rejected. Rather than immediate punishment or condemnation, God addresses Qayin’s emotional state with pastoral interrogation. The verse reads: וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־קָ֑יִן לָ֚מָּה חָ֣רָה לָ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה נָפְל֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ׃ And the LORD said to Qayin, “Why are you angry? And why has your face fallen?” This brief exchange is rich in theological and grammatical meaning. The divine address uses interrogative syntax not to gather information but to invite self-reflection.… Learn Hebrew