»So YHWH established a sign for Cain«: Rethinking Genesis 4,15

Abstract

The so-called mark of Cain has long been thought to be something God puts upon Cain's body or a trait Cain would possess to deter would-be avengers. Often overlooked, however, are details immediately following the story Gen 4,17 – dealing with the building of a city – which may well indicate the sign. In this short note I argue that the sign might best be understood not as a mark upon the body, but as something God established for Cain's protection – perhaps a city of refuge.