According to author Ruth Mellinkoff, commentators' interpretations of the nature of the "mark" depended on their views regarding the status of Cain, as either being given additional time to repent or as being further shamed.
Menurut Ruth Mellikoff, interpretasi para komentator mengenai sifat "tanda" tersebut bergantung pada pandangan mereka mengenai status Kain, entah apakah ia diberikan waktu untuk bertobat, atau dipermalukan lebih lanjut.