This is where the word mark
appears for the first time in the Bible. This word appears in many passages. If you continue reading, you come across this word (sign
) in Genesis 9:12–17, and Genesis 17:11 and many other places. It has the meaning of proof and indication. In both of the mentioned chapters in Genesis, the sign functions in a context of a covenant with God. It emphasizes the reliability of God’s words. Both are also eternal signs (the rainbow still functions, and in baptism the circumcision continues). Thus, God shows more and more that there are two movements in his human world: that of the serpent’s seed
that has to make do with a temporary mark of vengeance and that of the woman’s seed
that receives an indelible sign of God’s love, promises, and grace. Incidentally, it is not reported what kind of mark this was (unlike the signs that God gave to the woman’s seed
).
Cain gets an extensive second chance from God. This happens to those who are lost as a result of hardening in their own negative choices.
15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.