Q&A: A Question on the Plain Meaning of Genesis Chapter 4
A Question on the Plain Meaning of Genesis Chapter 4
Question
Hello Rabbi,
The Lord says to Cain, “When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you; you shall be a wanderer and a fugitive on the earth,” and Cain replies, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground, and from Your face I shall be hidden; and I shall be a wanderer and a fugitive on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”
Is it possible that between the lines the Torah is revealing that there were other people living in the world besides Adam, Eve, and Cain?
Another verse that may strengthen the question comes immediately afterward: “And Cain knew his wife…”
Answer
Perhaps. I don’t deal with interpretations of the biblical text.