🌱WEB · Genesis 4:7

What does Genesis 4:7 mean?

"If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”"

— Genesis 4:7 (World English Bible)

Surrounding context

4

Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering,

5

but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell.

6

Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?

7

If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”

8

Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him.

9

Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

10

Yahweh said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.

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