Genesis 4:13 Meaning and Explanation
“And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Cain tells the LORD that his punishment is unbearable.
The Context of Genesis 4:13
Cain expresses his anguish at the severity of his punishment.
What Does Genesis 4:13 Mean?
Cain speaks to the LORD, acknowledging that his punishment—the curse—is more than he can endure. He does not ask for forgiveness or express remorse for murdering Abel. Rather, he complains about the severity of the consequence imposed on him. His words reveal a man broken under judgment but not transformed by it.
Cain's complaint reflects the weight of exile and unending wandering. The loss of home, the refusal of the earth, the mark of shame—these together form a burden Cain feels he cannot carry. Yet he does not repent. He only protests the harshness of the sentence.
Genesis 4:13 in the Original Language
gadol (גָּדוֹל), 'greater' — here expressing both magnitude and, by extension, unbearable weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 4:13
What does Genesis 4:13 mean?
Cain tells the LORD that his punishment is unbearable.
What is the context of Genesis 4:13?
Cain expresses his anguish at the severity of his punishment.