The Puzzling Question of Cain’s Mark
The “Mark of Cain” has been interpreted various ways throughout history. A badge of shame? A tattoo? These are just guesses, because no one is quite sure what the mark placed by God upon Cain looked like. The Hebrew word in Genesis 4:15 for the mark is ot (אות), literally meaning a “sign”. Throughout the Bible it is used to describe a physical confirmation of an agreement, similar to a signature on a modern-day contract.
Signs of God’s Covenant
The word ot is very special, starting with the first Hebrew letter Alef (א) and ending with the last letter Taf (ת). This implies the all-encompassing and indestructible nature of God’s promises. Following the Flood, God displays a rainbow in the sky as a “sign” that he will never again destroy the earth (Gen. 9:12). Similarly, Jewish circumcision (Gen. 17:11) and the obligation to rest on the Sabbath (Ex. 31:13) are both permanent “signs” of God’s covenant with Israel.
Your Hebrew Guide to Scripture
No one knows what the “Mark of Cain” looked like. It may not have even been visible. Contrary to what most Bible readers assume, it was not intended to be a negative stigma. Rather, God bestowed a permanent emblem upon Cain as a warning to demonstrate his protected status. Explore the words of the Bible in Hebrew – enroll in our live online Biblical Hebrew course today, to get your key to seeing the truths of Scripture.