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Genesis 4:12

Genesis 4:12
When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.

My Notes

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Baptist theologian, 1697–1771

Gill's Exposition

And Cain said unto the Lord,.... In the anguish of his spirit and the distress of his mind:

my punishment is greater than I can bear; thus complaining of the mercy of God, as if he acted a cruel…

Methodist theologian, 1762–1832

Adam Clarke

A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be - Thou shalt be expelled from the presence of God, and from thy family connections, and shalt have no fixed secure residence in any place. The Septuagint render…

Nonconformist minister, 1662–1714

Matthew Henry

Genesis 4:9-12

We have here a full account of the trial and condemnation of the first murderer. Civil courts of judicature not being yet erected for this purpose, as they were afterwards (Gen 9:6), God himself sits…

Academic commentary, 1882–1921

Cambridge Bible

when thou tillest, &c. The meaning is, that when, or if, after this curse, Cain continues to till the ground, the ground will refuse to give a return for his labour. Therefore, he will not be able to…