in 4:12 that when he “works” (עָבַד) the ground it will not yield its strength to him, and this reminds readers of the way that the words of judgment spoken to Adam included a curse on the ground (3:17), thorns and thistles (3:18), and banishment from the garden (3:23). The re-use of this “work” and “keep” terminology calls 2:15 to mind, reminding the audience of God’s purpose for Adam in the garden and highlighting how far Cain has fallen from it. The repetitions, again, instruct the audience to