Genesis 4:10 Meaning and Explanation
“And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD speaks of Abel's blood crying out from the ground, demanding justice.
The Context of Genesis 4:10
The LORD declares that Abel's shed blood cries out for justice.
What Does Genesis 4:10 Mean?
The LORD's rebuke is direct: 'What hast thou done?' Cain cannot hide his crime. The LORD declares that Abel's blood—innocent, spilled on the ground—has a voice of its own. It cries out to the LORD from the earth, demanding acknowledgment and recompense. Blood shed unjustly does not remain silent.
This personification of blood crying out establishes a principle: innocent death demands justice. The earth itself, having received Abel's blood, becomes witness and voice. Cain's attempt to deny responsibility fails utterly; the crime itself testifies against him.
Genesis 4:10 in the Original Language
tzeakah (צְעָקָה), 'crieth' — a loud cry or wailing, urgent and piercing, that cannot be ignored.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 4:10
What does Genesis 4:10 mean?
The LORD speaks of Abel's blood crying out from the ground, demanding justice.
What is the context of Genesis 4:10?
The LORD declares that Abel's shed blood cries out for justice.