Genesis 4:7 Meaning and Explanation
“If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The LORD offers Cain a path forward: do well and be accepted, but warns that sin crouches at the door waiting to devour him.
The Context of Genesis 4:7
The LORD promises acceptance if Cain repents, but warns of sin's danger.
What Does Genesis 4:7 Mean?
The LORD presents a conditional promise: acceptance awaits Cain if he does well. But He also issues a stark warning—sin is personified as a beast lying in wait at the door, eager to seize and consume him. This image conveys that sin is not abstract but active, predatory, waiting for opportunity. Cain stands at a crossroads.
The verse concludes with words of power and dominion: Cain can 'rule over' the sin that threatens him. He is not a slave to his anger or shame. He possesses the capacity to master his impulses and choose obedience. This is both an assurance and a challenge.
Genesis 4:7 in the Original Language
chattath (חַטָּאת), 'sin' — here both the sin-offering and the personified force of transgression crouching to devour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Genesis 4:7
What does Genesis 4:7 mean?
The LORD offers Cain a path forward: do well and be accepted, but warns that sin crouches at the door waiting to devour him.
What is the context of Genesis 4:7?
The LORD promises acceptance if Cain repents, but warns of sin's danger.