Cain

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Firstborn of Adam and Eve, first murderer
• Family: Son of Adam and Eve, brother of Abel and Seth
• Key Books: Genesis

Biography

Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, a tiller of the ground. When he and his brother Abel brought offerings to God, the LORD had respect for Abel and his offering but not for Cain’s. In jealousy and anger, Cain murdered Abel in the field — the first act of violence in human history.

After confronting Cain, God offered him a chance to sin no more, but Cain refused. God marked him with a protective sign and banished him to the land of Nod, east of Eden. Despite the curse on the ground, Cain built a city and started a lineage that included Enoch, Irad, Mehujael, Methushael, Lamech, and Tubal-cain.

Key Events

• Cain and Abel — Offerings and murder of Abel
• Marked by God and banished to Nod
• Built the first city

Relationships

• Adam & Eve — Parents
• Abel — Younger brother, whom he killed
• Seth — Younger brother, born after Cain’s banishment

Important Verses

• “And in the process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof.” — Genesis 4:3-4
• “And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin croucheth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” — Genesis 4:6-7
• “And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.” — Genesis 4:8

Cross-References

• 1 John 3:12 — “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother”
• Matthew 23:35 — Jesus references “the blood of righteous Abel”
• Hebrews 11:4 — Contrast with Abel’s faith offering