Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 4:6 mean when it says 'Why are you angry and crestfallen?'
A: In Genesis 4:6, Hashem speaks to Kayin (Cain) after he becomes upset that his offering was not accepted while his brother Hevel's (Abel) was. Rashi explains that Hashem is giving Kayin an opportunity to reflect on his emotions and correct his behavior, showing that anger and jealousy lead to negative outcomes. This verse teaches the importance of controlling one's emotions and doing proper teshuvah (repentance).
Q: Why was Kayin angry in Genesis 4:6?
A: Kayin was angry because his offering to Hashem was not accepted, while his brother Hevel's offering was. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 22:5) explains that Kayin's offering was of inferior quality, given without proper intent, whereas Hevel brought the best of his flock with sincerity. Hashem's question in this verse highlights that Kayin's anger stemmed from his own shortcomings, not from unfairness.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 4:6?
A: Genesis 4:6 teaches us that Hashem cares about our intentions and the quality of our actions, not just the actions themselves. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) emphasizes that sincere repentance and self-improvement are key. Instead of reacting with anger like Kayin, we should examine our mistakes, correct them, and strive to do better with pure intentions.
Q: How does Genesis 4:6 apply to dealing with jealousy today?
A: This verse reminds us that jealousy and anger, like Kayin's, can lead to destructive behavior. The Talmud (Pirkei Avot 4:21) teaches that jealousy removes a person from the world—meaning it clouds judgment and leads to sin. Instead of resenting others' success, we should focus on improving ourselves and serving Hashem with sincerity, as Hevel did.
Q: Why did Hashem ask Kayin questions instead of directly reprimanding him?
A: Hashem's questions in Genesis 4:6 were meant to guide Kayin toward self-reflection. The Sforno explains that Hashem was giving Kayin a chance to recognize his mistake and repent before committing a greater sin. This shows Hashem's mercy—He encourages us to correct our ways before consequences follow, as seen later in the story when Kayin fails to heed this warning.
Understanding the Divine Question to Kayin
The verse (Bereishit 4:6) states: "And the Lord said to Kayin, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?'" This divine inquiry follows Kayin's offering being rejected while Hevel's was accepted. The phrasing of Hashem's question is significant, as it seeks to engage Kayin in introspection rather than simply rebuking him.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 4:6) notes that Hashem's question was meant to give Kayin an opportunity to repent. By asking "Why are you angry?", Hashem was prompting Kayin to recognize his emotional state and its root cause. Rashi emphasizes that this demonstrates the principle of derech eretz (proper conduct) – that even when rebuking, one should do so gently to allow for repentance.
Rambam on Divine Providence
Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:17) discusses how Hashem's interaction with Kayin demonstrates divine providence. The questions were not for Hashem's benefit (as He knows all thoughts), but to guide Kayin toward self-reflection. This aligns with the Jewish concept that free will is central to human existence, and divine guidance comes through subtle prompts rather than coercion.
Talmudic Insights
Midrashic Perspectives
Bereishit Rabbah (22:6) elaborates that Hashem was showing Kayin that his anger was misplaced. The Midrash compares this to a king who rejects a poor offering from one son but accepts a lavish one from another, then explains to the first that the difference was in their intentions, not the gifts themselves.
Malbim on the Dual Question
The Malbim explains that the two questions address different aspects of Kayin's reaction: "Why are you angry?" refers to his internal emotional state, while "Why has your countenance fallen?" refers to the external manifestation of that anger. This teaches that improper thoughts inevitably lead to improper actions if not corrected.