Genesis 4:10
Verse
Context
Cain and Abel
9And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”10“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.11Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The voice of thy brother's blood - It is probable that Cain, having killed his brother, dug a hole and buried him in the earth, hoping thereby to prevent the murder from being known; and that this is what is designed in the words, Thy brother's blood crieth unto me From The Ground - which hath opened her mouth to receive it from thy hand. Some think that by the voice of thy brother's blood the cries of Abel's widow and children are to be understood, as it is very probable that he was father of a family; indeed his occupation and sacrifices seem to render this probable, and probability is all we can expect on such a subject. God represents these as calling aloud for the punishment of the murderer; and it is evident that Cain expected to fall by the hands of some person who, from his consanguinity, had the right of the avenger of blood; for now that the murder is found out, he expects to suffer death for it. See Gen 4:14.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me--Cain, to lull suspicion, had probably been engaging in the solemnities of religion when he was challenged directly from the Shekinah itself.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now art thou cursed from the earth,.... From receiving benefit by it, and enjoying the fruits of it as before, and from having a settled dwelling in it, as is afterwards explained: which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; the blood of his brother, which was shed by his own hand, was received and sucked into the earth, where it was spilt, through the pores of it, and drank up and covered, so as not to be seen; in which it was as it were more humane to Abel, and as it were more ashamed of the crime, and shuddered more, and expressed more horror at it, than Cain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 What have you done? is more an expression of horror and rebuke than a fact-finding question (cp. 3:13). • Abel’s blood is personified as a legal witness that cries out against Cain. • from the ground: See study note on 4:11-12.
Genesis 4:10
Cain and Abel
9And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”10“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.11Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Principles of the Most Holy War
By Keith Daniel3.2K1:10:27Spiritual WarfareGEN 4:10JAS 1:14JAS 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of the tongue and the importance of refraining from engaging in harmful conversations. He highlights the need for holiness and warns against the deadly poison of unruly speech. The preacher also discusses the declaration, devastation, desperation, compassion, confusion, and conclusion of war, emphasizing the need for the church to be on its knees in prayer. He urges ministers to boldly preach about the increasing iniquity in the last days and the resulting coldness of love. The sermon concludes with a call for the church to be an army on its knees, relying on the weapons and armor provided by God to save the nation.
God Only
By Norman Grubb2.4K53:51GodGEN 4:10GEN 5:24ROM 9:22In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being a slave to what we choose. He emphasizes that our ability to choose is our royalty, and we are fixed by the choices we make. The speaker explains that while we may be caught up in temporary things like food or worldly desires, the true change comes from God who motivates us. The sermon also highlights the idea that Satan has distorted and enslaved us, leading us to live self-centered lives. However, through faith and a realization of our need for something more, we can find true fulfillment and become lovers of God.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5
By Chuck Smith1.8K1:23:21ExpositionalGEN 50:26EXO 2:15EXO 4:1EXO 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not just a passive observer of our struggles and suffering. He takes action to deliver His people from their hardships. The preacher also highlights the importance of not getting too attached to material possessions, as they can easily be taken away. Instead, our focus should be on the things of the Spirit and God's eternal kingdom. The sermon references the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced oppression and hardship, but ultimately God delivered them.
Watch Your Heart - the Wellspring of Life
By Erlo Stegen1.1K1:15:06GEN 4:10PRO 4:20MAT 6:33REV 1:5REV 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart above all else. He uses examples such as taking care of livestock and being attentive while driving to illustrate the consequences of not guarding one's heart. The speaker references Proverbs 4:20-27, where it is advised to pay attention to God's words and keep them within the heart. He warns against perversity in speech, corrupt talk, and being led astray from the right path. The sermon concludes with a story about a polluted wellspring and the negative effects of not guarding it, emphasizing the need to guard one's heart as it is the wellspring of life.
Message to Ministers
By Ray Brubaker94911:40MinistersGEN 4:10HAG 1:8MAT 6:33In this sermon, the commentator, Ray Brubaker, discusses the importance of cherishing and protecting our God-honoring freedoms. He references Haggai 1:8 to highlight the consequences of neglecting our ways and not fully utilizing the blessings we have received. Brubaker urges listeners to be ready for the return of Christ by repenting of their sins and fully trusting in Him. He emphasizes the need for the ministry to focus on winning souls and encouraging believers, rather than getting caught up in social clubs and other worldly pursuits.
Speaking a Better Word
By Gary Wilkerson9553:27Christian LifeHealing from ShameIdentity in ChristGEN 4:10HEB 12:18Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of speaking and hearing a better word, particularly in the context of our relationships with our earthly fathers and God. He contrasts the accusatory voice of Abel's blood, which represents shame and condemnation, with the redemptive voice of Jesus' blood that speaks life, worth, and healing. Wilkerson encourages the congregation to renounce negative words spoken over them and to embrace their identity as beloved children of God, free from the burdens of shame and fear. He highlights the importance of understanding that God is not distant or angry, but rather loving and compassionate, inviting us into a joyful relationship with Him.
Bloodshed
By G.W. North0God's Redemptive PlanThe Significance of the BloodGEN 4:10EXO 12:7LEV 17:11MAT 19:8ROM 4:7HEB 9:22G.W. North explores the profound significance of 'the Blood' as introduced in Genesis, emphasizing its foundational role in the biblical narrative of salvation. He illustrates how the original concept of blood, symbolizing life and atonement, evolves through scripture, particularly in the context of the Passover and the Old Covenant. North highlights that while God adapted His commands to humanity's sinfulness, the essence of His original intention regarding blood remains unchanged. He contrasts the outward application of blood in the Old Testament with the deeper spiritual truths that would later be fulfilled in Christ. Ultimately, North calls for a deeper understanding of the blood's power and its ultimate purpose in God's redemptive plan.
The Blood of Sprinkling, and the Blood of Abel
By Horatius Bonar0The Blood of ChristRedemption and ForgivenessGEN 4:10LUK 23:34ROM 5:20ROM 8:1EPH 2:13COL 1:20HEB 9:14HEB 12:241PE 1:18REV 6:10Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound contrast between the blood of Abel and the blood of Christ, illustrating how Abel's blood cries out for vengeance while Christ's blood speaks of love, grace, and forgiveness. He explains that the blood of sprinkling signifies a new covenant that brings peace, blessing, and nearness to God, contrasting the curse and separation brought by Abel's blood. Bonar highlights that Christ's blood offers comfort and restoration, purging the conscience and granting eternal life, while also warning against the rejection of this divine testimony. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to embrace the transformative power of Christ's blood, which assures them of their salvation and relationship with God.
Ye Are Initiated Into the Mysteries of the Gospel
By Ignatius of Antioch0GEN 4:10ACT 9:15ROM 8:34PHP 1:3HEB 12:1Ignatius of Antioch, in his letter, acknowledges his own insignificance and imminent danger, contrasting it with the mercy and establishment in Christ of his audience. He humbly considers himself the least among those who have suffered for Christ, from Abel to himself. He encourages his audience to follow the example of Paul, the holy martyr, and expresses his desire to be found at the feet of Jesus Christ alongside all the saints. Ignatius assures them of Jesus' constant prayers for them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The voice of thy brother's blood - It is probable that Cain, having killed his brother, dug a hole and buried him in the earth, hoping thereby to prevent the murder from being known; and that this is what is designed in the words, Thy brother's blood crieth unto me From The Ground - which hath opened her mouth to receive it from thy hand. Some think that by the voice of thy brother's blood the cries of Abel's widow and children are to be understood, as it is very probable that he was father of a family; indeed his occupation and sacrifices seem to render this probable, and probability is all we can expect on such a subject. God represents these as calling aloud for the punishment of the murderer; and it is evident that Cain expected to fall by the hands of some person who, from his consanguinity, had the right of the avenger of blood; for now that the murder is found out, he expects to suffer death for it. See Gen 4:14.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me--Cain, to lull suspicion, had probably been engaging in the solemnities of religion when he was challenged directly from the Shekinah itself.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And now art thou cursed from the earth,.... From receiving benefit by it, and enjoying the fruits of it as before, and from having a settled dwelling in it, as is afterwards explained: which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; the blood of his brother, which was shed by his own hand, was received and sucked into the earth, where it was spilt, through the pores of it, and drank up and covered, so as not to be seen; in which it was as it were more humane to Abel, and as it were more ashamed of the crime, and shuddered more, and expressed more horror at it, than Cain.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 What have you done? is more an expression of horror and rebuke than a fact-finding question (cp. 3:13). • Abel’s blood is personified as a legal witness that cries out against Cain. • from the ground: See study note on 4:11-12.