And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.
What does Genesis 4:16 mean?
Cain cast off all fear of God, and attended no more on God's ordinances. Hypocritical professors, who dissemble and trifle with God, are justly left to themselves to do something grossly scandalous.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Genesis 4:16-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Genesis 4:16
The presence of the Lord - seems to have been at the entrance of the garden where the cherubim were stationed. There, probably, the children of men still lingered in faith and hope before the Lord, whom they still regarded as their Maker and merciful Saviour. They acknowledged his undeserved goodness in the form of sacrifice. The retreat of Cain from the scene of parental affection, of home associations, and of divine manifestation, must have been accompanied with many a deep, unuttered pang of regret and remorse. But he has deeply and repeatedly transgressed, and he must bear the consequence. Such is sin.
Key words
- presence
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And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord,.
- LORD
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And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord,.
Context in Genesis 4
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Genesis 4 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as primeval history from creation to Babel. Genesis opens the whole Bible with creation, fall, flood, Babel, and the long patriarchal story that carries the reader from Eden to Egypt. Read this chapter with the wider themes of creation, fall, and covenant in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Glossary
Who quoted Genesis 4:16?
Find out who used Genesis 4:16 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Genesis 4:16?
John Steinbeck used Genesis 4:16 in East of Eden.
Elia Kazan and James Dean used Genesis 4:16 in East of Eden.
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «east of Eden»):
Bruce Springsteen · Carbuncle · Collaboration · East of Eden · East of Eden (film) · East of Eden (novel) · Exploration · February 27 · Genesis · Good Omens · James Dean (film) · Jo Van Fleet · John Steinbeck · List of films (D–F) · List of literary works (A–H) · Mass production · Opening lines · Pattern · Pete Doherty · River Phoenix · Strangers