Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 4:15. It’s a really important and complex passage about sin and punishment. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: This verse comes after the story of Cain and Abel – a conflict between two brothers where Cain killed Abel. God is deeply troubled by this event. He decides to make a very serious punishment for Cain, and it sets in motion a chain of events that leads to a significant shift in the story. Let’s unpack it: “And the LORD said unto him…” : This is God speaking directly to Cain. He’s acknowledging his actions and expressing concern. “…Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” : This is the core of the verse. God is saying that anyone who kills Cain will receive a punishment seven times as bad as what he did to Abel. This isn't just about revenge; it’s a promise of a very harsh consequence. “And the LORD set a mark upon Cain…” : God is giving Cain a sign, a warning, and perhaps even a measure of protection against further harm. What does this mean in terms of understanding the story? This verse highlights several key ideas: God’s Justice: It shows that God is completely just and will always hold people accountable for their actions, especially when they cause harm to others. The Cycle of Violence: It points to a pattern – Cain's sin led to violence, and God isn't happy with that. Divine Punishment: This verse reveals that God doesn’t simply let things go; He actively intervenes and delivers consequences. Important Note: It's crucial to understand this verse within the context of the larger story of Genesis. It’s not just about a single act of violence. It’s about a pattern of sin and God’s response to it. In short, this verse is a warning that evil will have consequences, and God will ensure those who choose to harm others suffer greatly. --- Would you like me to: Explain any part of the story in more detail? Discuss the significance of Cain's actions within the broader context of Genesis? Talk about how this verse might be interpreted differently by different people?