Genesis 4:24 - Excessive vengeance or divine justice?

Verse Analysis: Bereishit 4:24

The verse states: "כִּי שִׁבְעָתַיִם יֻקַּם־קָיִן וְלֶמֶךְ שִׁבְעִים וְשִׁבְעָה" ("If Qayin shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lemekh seventy and sevenfold"). This declaration by Lemekh requires careful examination through traditional Jewish sources.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 4:24) explains that Lemekh was speaking to his wives, who had separated from him due to his violent nature. He argued that if Hashem had decreed a sevenfold punishment for killing Cain (as stated in Bereishit 4:15), then his own killing—which he claimed was accidental—would incur an even greater punishment (seventy-sevenfold). Rashi notes that Lemekh misunderstood the protection granted to Cain, thinking it applied universally rather than being specific to Cain's unique circumstance.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 23:4) elaborates that Lemekh's statement reflects his arrogance and lack of repentance. Unlike Cain, who expressed remorse ("גָּדוֹל עֲוֹנִי מִנְּשֹׂא"), Lemekh boasted about his actions, implying he was beyond reproach. The Midrash contrasts the sevenfold protection of Cain—a measure of divine mercy—with Lemekh's inflated claim of seventy-sevenfold, showing how his distortion of justice led to further moral decline.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 4:1) indirectly addresses this verse by discussing the gravity of unrepentant sin. Lemekh's failure to acknowledge wrongdoing exemplifies the dangers of rationalizing evil, as his words reveal a hardened heart. The escalation from seven to seventy-seven symbolizes how unchecked sin compounds its consequences.

Key Themes

• Divine Justice vs. Human Arrogance: Cain's protection was a singular act of divine compassion, whereas Lemekh's presumption twisted justice into self-justification.
• Repentance: The contrast between Cain's remorse and Lemekh's defiance highlights the necessity of teshuva (repentance) in averting punishment.
• Moral Progression: The numerical increase (7 to 77) reflects the exponential growth of sin's repercussions when left unaddressed.