Genesis 4:7

sin

Or, sin-offering. In Hebrew the same word is used for "sin," and "sin-offering," thus emphasizing in a remarkable way the complete identification of the believer's sin with his sin offering (cf) (John 3:14); (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Here both meanings are brought together. "Sin lieth at the door," but so also "a sin-offering croucheth at the tent door." It is "where sin abounded" that "grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20).

Abel's offering implies a previous instruction (cf) (Genesis 3:21) for it was "by faith" (Hebrews 11:4) and faith is taking God at His word; so that Cain's unbloody offering was a refusal of the divine way. But Jehovah made a last appeal to Cain (Genesis 4:7) even yet to bring the required offering.