face in 4:5 . 86 In this context , Cain ’ s relationship with God would be restored , removing the cause of his downcast demeanor . 87 The second solution would be that Cain ’ s sacrifice would be lifted up , i . e . accepted by God , which again would result in an uplifting of Cain ’ s countenance . 88 Other commentators , such as Cassuto , instead argue that ָֽ הת ׃־ֵּ֣ in 4:7 should be interpreted against the description of sin ‘ crouching ’ later in the verse ( ). ֶַ ־ָּ֣׃ָֽ או ִֵּ֣מ 89 As the bulk of opinion leans towards ָֽ הת ׃־ֵּ֣ referring in some way to Cain ’ s countenance , it seems that this should be the accepted translation and interpretation .
Grammatical challenges with regard to the use of the feminine noun ־ָּ֣׃ָֽ ֶַ ( sin ) with the masculine verb או ִֵּ֣מ ( crouching ) are evident within the latter half of 4:7 . 90 Cassuto advances two possible solutions to this which help with interpreting this section of the verse . He notes that the root of the word או ִֵּ֣מ can denote a demon , God is warning Cain that sin is like a demon seeking to master him . 91 Cassuto also points out that the root of או ִֵּ֣מ can also denote a hated government official , which again gives the sense that sin is seeking to master Cain like the officials seek to master the people beneath them . 92 However , as Westermann points out , the use of או ִֵּ֣מ in these senses does not appear elsewhere within the Old Testament . 93 Scarlata asserts that the grammatical challenge of this phrase points to the probability of a more developed narrative which no longer exists . 94 He contends that the central message of the phrase remains clear – “ God is warning Cain that something disastrous awaits if he continues not to ‘ do well .’” 95
86 Ibid . 87 Claus Westermann , A Continental Commentary : Genesis 1 – 11 , Verbum edition , ( Minneapolis , MN :
Fortress Press , 1994 ), 299 . 88 Ibid .
89 Umberto Cassuto , A Commentary on the Book of Genesis , Kindle edition , 204 . 90 Ibid . 91 Ibid . 92 Ibid , 205 . 93 Claus Westermann , A Continental Commentary : Genesis 1 – 11 , Verbum edition , 300 . 94 M . W . Scarlata , Outside of Eden : Cain in the Ancient Versions of Genesis 4:1-16 , 76 . 95 Ibid .