What was the mark on Cain?

[Anchorite]

Genesis 4:15



And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.


———————


What mark on a human being would make you afraid to kill him?

I have never seen any good speculation on this question. Except this one…

In the ancient Mediterranean world, marking the forehead with a hot iron brand or a forced tattoo (stigma) was a severe method used by Greeks and Romans to punish runaway slaves, signal ownership, and deter flight. Romans called heavily marked slaves frontes litterati ("lettered foreheads").

Putting a "mark" on a person tells everyone that no one is allowed to harm this person or kill them without answering to the person who has literally put their brand on them. In Adonai's case, it would be an overwhelming sensation to get away from Cain.

The name of Yahweh was tattooed on Cain’s forehead, meaning he was branded as belonging to God, is a possibility. Because it would scare people. They would be afraid to kill Cain because he was God’s property and God would get revenge on you.

 

[Ronald Nolette]

Genesis 4:15



And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.


———————


What mark on a human being would make you afraid to kill him?

I have never seen any good speculation on this question. Except this one…

In the ancient Mediterranean world, marking the forehead with a hot iron brand or a forced tattoo (stigma) was a severe method used by Greeks and Romans to punish runaway slaves, signal ownership, and deter flight. Romans called heavily marked slaves frontes litterati ("lettered foreheads").

Putting a "mark" on a person tells everyone that no one is allowed to harm this person or kill them without answering to the person who has literally put their brand on them. In Adonai's case, it would be an overwhelming sensation to get away from Cain.

The name of Yahweh was tattooed on Cain’s forehead, meaning he was branded as belonging to God, is a possibility. Because it would scare people. They would be afraid to kill Cain because he was God’s property and God would get revenge on you.

The bible doesn't say and we should not either. any speculations or ideas are anywhere from 0 to 100% wrong. We just have no way of proving any hypothesis

 

[Davy]

Genesis 4:15



And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.


———————


What mark on a human being would make you afraid to kill him?

I have never seen any good speculation on this question. Except this one…

In the ancient Mediterranean world, marking the forehead with a hot iron brand or a forced tattoo (stigma) was a severe method used by Greeks and Romans to punish runaway slaves, signal ownership, and deter flight. Romans called heavily marked slaves frontes litterati ("lettered foreheads").

Putting a "mark" on a person tells everyone that no one is allowed to harm this person or kill them without answering to the person who has literally put their brand on them. In Adonai's case, it would be an overwhelming sensation to get away from Cain.

The name of Yahweh was tattooed on Cain’s forehead, meaning he was branded as belonging to God, is a possibility. Because it would scare people. They would be afraid to kill Cain because he was God’s property and God would get revenge on you.

Cain's mark I believe represented his protection, which a look at his traits reveals a greater ability over the world. God cursed the land to him, so he couldn't farm, so he became the builder of cities. By that he then developed mastery over worldly wisdom, finance, control of resources, politics, and even false religion. One of his top traits is murder. His seed often using murder to get control of things in this world, whereas God's people don't think of doing such things. This I believe is why Jesus said the children of this world are wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8).

 

[Anchorite]

The bible doesn't say and we should not either. any speculations or ideas are anywhere from 0 to 100% wrong. We just have no way of proving any hypothesis

We may not be able to prove it, but God gave us minds and He is honored when we use our minds to ponder mysteries in His Word.

I think the explanation that the mark God put on Cain was probably the name of God, meaning Cain was God’s property, makes sense.

 

[Ziggy]

Gen 4:15
And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

Job 7:20
I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself?
Psa 130:3
If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Rev 14:9
And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

1Jo 3:12
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

What was the "mark" on Cain's forehead?
Perhaps his knowledge of Sin.

In Revelation 14:9 the mark is not only the knowledge of sin but the performing sinful acts as well.
The mind and the body.

As far as Cain, he killed first (body) and understood (mind) after what he had done.
In Revelation it is the knowing (first) to do sin and then the performance of sin.

Mat 15:16
And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
Mat 15:17
Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
Mat 15:18
But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Mat 15:19
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Mat 15:20
These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

I believe the "mark" that God set on Cain's forehead was the acknowledgement or understanding of what was hidden in his heart.

Gen 4:13
And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Gen 4:14
Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.

I find it interesting that Cain says, every one that finds me shall slay me.
Because even later in 1 John 3:12 he is still used as the example of the son of perdition.
Not only would he not forget what he had done, but the knowledge of what he had done and his punishment was never forgotten.

just thinking
Hugs

 

[Anchorite]

What was the "mark" on Cain's forehead?
Perhaps his knowledge of Sin.


I believe the "mark" that God set on Cain's forehead was the acknowledgement or understanding of what was hidden in his heart.

Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

The Bible does not specifically say the mark on Cain was on his forehead, but it seems like it might have been put there.

It seems to me that the mark would need to be visible, not a mental impression. Whenever a person would see Cain, they’d see the mark and avoid killing him.

I appreciate your contribution to this topic.

 

[Ziggy]

Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

The Bible does not specifically say the mark on Cain was on his forehead, but it seems like it might have been put there.

It seems to me that the mark would need to be visible, not a mental impression. Whenever a person would see Cain, they’d see the mark and avoid killing him.

I appreciate your contribution to this topic.

A mark is also a "target" .
It doesn't say any finding him would see the mark itself.
And if murder is a sin, then any finding him and slaying him would be committing sin as well.
If eye for eye and tooth for tooth and life for life,
then the one injured would be the one to punish.
And seeing Abel was dead then God would act as his executioner.

If we look further,
If Cain = death and Jesus = life

Then death where is thy sting? Jesus got the Victory!

So what is the mark?

Sin.

Was it Lamech that killed Cain?
Gen 4:23
And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
Gen 4:24
If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

And then there is this seven times seventy,
Which brings us to:
Mat 18:21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Was Cain marked for forgiveness or mercy, but not until a later time?

There are a lot of murderers in the bible. Moses killed an Egyptian, David had Bathsheba's husband killed in a war, and also killed Goliath.
Saul went after the new church until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Why single out Cain?

Because the way to the tree of life had not been made known.

I'm just thinking @Anchorite
Hugs

 

[Taken]

What was the mark on Cain?

A physical type of “mark” is not disclosed in Scripture.

Cain received a “curse” for having committed the first “murder”… by a human.

Cain feared other humans would be on the lookout for him, knowing he killed his brother, and they inturn want to kill Cain.

I would “speculate”…the buzz amongst the people…of Cain committing murder, was a big deal…
YET… a mystery of Gods Shield…or people thinking to murder Cain would also be wrong…and cause a greater punishment for them to murder Cain.

That was something NEW and seems not yet established HOW TO righteously deal with such a situation.

Murder and Killing are two different things.

Glory to God,
Taken

 

[Anchorite]

A mark is also a "target" .
It doesn't say any finding him would see the mark itself.
And if murder is a sin, then any finding him and slaying him would be committing sin as well.
If eye for eye and tooth for tooth and life for life,
then the one injured would be the one to punish.
And seeing Abel was dead then God would act as his executioner.

If we look further,
If Cain = death and Jesus = life

Then death where is thy sting? Jesus got the Victory!

So what is the mark?

Sin.

Was it Lamech that killed Cain?
Gen 4:23
And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
Gen 4:24
If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.

And then there is this seven times seventy,
Which brings us to:
Mat 18:21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Mat 18:22
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Was Cain marked for forgiveness or mercy, but not until a later time?

There are a lot of murderers in the bible. Moses killed an Egyptian, David had Bathsheba's husband killed in a war, and also killed Goliath.
Saul went after the new church until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Why single out Cain?

Because the way to the tree of life had not been made known.

I'm just thinking @Anchorite
Hugs

Sin was already on Cain the moment he was angry with Abel and killed him.

Probably everyone in the small population of the world at that time knew of Cain’s crime.

“And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” —> this sounds like it was a visible mark that people could see.

Finding may mean there were avengers, allies of Abel, hunting for Cain. But when they saw YHWH, the name of God on his forehead, they realized that Cain was God’s property and if they killed Cain, they were messing with God.

 

[ScottA]

Genesis 4:15



And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.


———————


What mark on a human being would make you afraid to kill him?

I have never seen any good speculation on this question. Except this one…

In the ancient Mediterranean world, marking the forehead with a hot iron brand or a forced tattoo (stigma) was a severe method used by Greeks and Romans to punish runaway slaves, signal ownership, and deter flight. Romans called heavily marked slaves frontes litterati ("lettered foreheads").

Putting a "mark" on a person tells everyone that no one is allowed to harm this person or kill them without answering to the person who has literally put their brand on them. In Adonai's case, it would be an overwhelming sensation to get away from Cain.

The name of Yahweh was tattooed on Cain’s forehead, meaning he was branded as belonging to God, is a possibility. Because it would scare people. They would be afraid to kill Cain because he was God’s property and God would get revenge on you.

God made Cain visible.

I have told you what. Who has understanding, who can say how God made Cain visible?

 

[PeterAndroz]

God made Cain visible.

I have told you what. Who has understanding, who can say how God made Cain visible?

Whoever saw it with their eyes knew not to kill Cain.
But would a blind person near Cain know not to kill him ?

 

[Ziggy]

If you read the Book of Jasher it explains how Lamech was out with his grandson hunting. He saw something in the distance and shot at it with his arrow. When he went to look it was Cain.

hugs

 

[Anchorite]

If you read the Book of Jasher it explains how Lamech was out with his grandson hunting. He saw something in the distance and shot at it with his arrow. When he went to look it was Cain.

hugs

Thanks for pondering this issue!

The Bible does not say Lamech killed Cain.

That story, as you indicated, comes from the non-canonical book of Jasher.

Lamech says he killed a young man, so it could not have been Cain. Lamech was in the 7th generation from Adam, so Cain would have been very much older than Lamech.


Genesis 4:23

Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times, then the one who kills me will be punished seventy-seven times!”

 

[PeterAndroz]

Thanks for pondering this issue!

The Bible does not say Lamech killed Cain.

That story, as you indicated, comes from the non-canonical book of Jasher.

Lamech says he killed a young man, so it could not have been Cain. Lamech was in the 7th generation from Adam, so Cain would have been very much older than Lamech.


Genesis 4:23

Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times, then the one who kills me will be punished seventy-seven times!”

Myself, I believe that if GOD wanted us to have non-canonical books in our Bible today they would be there rather than the 66 books we have now

 

[Anchorite]

Myself, I believe that if GOD wanted us to have non-canonical books in our Bible today they would be there rather than the 66 books we have now

I agree to some extent.

But I have found books in the Eastern Orthodox Bible, like Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) and Wisdom of Solomon to be very edifying.

 

[PeterAndroz]

I agree to some extent.

But I have found books in the Eastern Orthodox Bible, like Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) and Wisdom of Solomon to be very edifying.

Definitely sometimes helpful and the Bible itself even makes references to some of those 'books'.
Yet our Maker through His Holy men that assembled the 66 book Bible that the majority of the world reads today has decided to leave them out.

 

[Ziggy]

Thanks for pondering this issue!

The Bible does not say Lamech killed Cain.

That story, as you indicated, comes from the non-canonical book of Jasher.

Lamech says he killed a young man, so it could not have been Cain. Lamech was in the 7th generation from Adam, so Cain would have been very much older than Lamech.


Genesis 4:23

Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, listen to me; wives of Lamech, hear my words. I have killed a man for wounding me, a young man for injuring me.

If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times, then the one who kills me will be punished seventy-seven times!”

ok

 

[Anchorite]

Definitely sometimes helpful and the Bible itself even makes references to some of those 'books'.
Yet our Maker through His Holy men that assembled the 66 book Bible that the majority of the world reads today has decided to leave them out.

The majority of the world reads the 73 books of the Catholic Bible.

Catholics are 1.3 billion.

Protestants are 800 million.

Eastern Orthodox are 220 million.

 

[PeterAndroz]

The majority of the world reads the 73 books of the Catholic Bible.

Catholics are 1.3 billion.

Protestants are 800 million.

Eastern Orthodox are 220 million.

Yes, agreed and the good thing is that Caths & Pros both agree on the 27 books of the NT and that's where you & I are taught Salvation :)

 

[quietthinker]

The bible doesn't say and we should not either. any speculations or ideas are anywhere from 0 to 100% wrong. We just have no way of proving any hypothesis

Would you say its like 'The mark of the beast' ie, it can't be known....and, 'any speculations or ideas are anywhere from 0 to 100% wrong'