Why wasn’t Cain given capital punishment for the murder he committed?

Genesis 4:12-13  

12 "When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13 Cain said to the Lord, "My punishment is greater than I can bear."

 In the Old Testament, murderers were given capital punishment for their crime (Gen. 9:6; Ex. 21:12). Yet Cain was not only set free after murdering his brother but he was protected from any avenger (Gen. 4:15).

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked May 21 2022 • Jack Gutknecht