The mark of Cain
The mark of Cain means a lasting sign of guilt or disgrace, especially one that sets someone apart from others; it comes from the story of Cain in Genesis. In that story, however, the mark protects Cain from being killed after he murders his brother Abel.
Where it comes from
The biblical mark
The mark appears in Genesis, chapter 4. It identifies Cain as someone whom others must not kill, rather than simply branding him for punishment.
After killing Abel, Cain fears that anyone who finds him will kill him. God gives him a mark to protect him from that revenge.
In The Bible by Traditional
A lasting stain on someone's name
Today the phrase usually means a sign of wrongdoing or disgrace that someone cannot escape. This differs from the mark's protective purpose in the biblical story.
A comparable sign of public disgrace appears in The Scarlet Letter: Hester Prynne must wear a letter on her clothing, making her private history visible to the town.
In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
How to use The mark of Cain
- Use the phrase for a lasting stigma, not a passing embarrassment.
- Make clear whether the sign is physical or a damaged reputation.
- Avoid linking the mark to skin colour or ancestry.
Was the mark of Cain a punishment or protection?
The mark itself is protection against revenge. In Genesis, Cain is punished for killing Abel, but he also fears being killed by others. God gives him the mark to prevent that, so the modern meaning of disgrace does not tell the whole story.
What did the mark of Cain look like?
The story does not say what the mark looked like. Genesis explains its purpose but gives no definite shape, colour, or location. Claims that it was a particular skin colour are later interpretations, not details supplied by the passage.
Related terms
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