The sign likely consisted of a solemn decree that was known and observed by others and that was intended to prevent his being killed out of revenge.
Pēc visa spriežot, par zīmi ir saukts Dieva rīkojums, kuru citi zināja un ievēroja un kura nolūks bija nepieļaut, ka atriebības dēļ Kains tiktu nogalināts.