Arcana Coelestia #383
383. Verse 13 And Cain said to Jehovah, My iniquity is too great for it to be taken away.
'Cain said to Jehovah' means admission that he was under the influence of evil, an admission resulting from pain felt inwardly. 'My iniquity is too great for it to be taken away' means consequent despair.
Jeremiah 8:4-6
4
Moreover you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Shall men fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return?
5
Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.
6
I listened and heard, but they didn't speak aright: no man repents him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? everyone turns to his course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle.