Abel

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Second son of Adam and Eve, first martyr, shepherd
• Family: Son of Adam and Eve, brother of Cain and Seth
• Key Books: Genesis

Biography

Abel was the second son of Adam and Eve, a keeper of sheep. He brought the firstlings of his flock and their fat portions as an offering to God, which the LORD looked upon with favor. In contrast, his brother Cain’s offering of fruit from the ground was not accepted.

Jealous and angry, Cain lured Abel into the field and murdered him — making Abel the first human victim of violence and the first martyr. Though dead, Abel’s faith still speaks, and his blood cried out from the ground for justice.

Key Events

• Cain and Abel — Offering accepted by God, murdered by Cain
• His blood crying from the ground — first mention of blood vengeance/justice

Relationships

• Adam & Eve — Parents
• Cain — Older brother, murderer
• Seth — Younger brother, born after Abel’s death

Important Verses

• “And Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” — Genesis 4:4
• “And the LORD said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.” — Genesis 4:10

Cross-References

• Hebrews 11:4 — “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous”
• Matthew 23:35 — Jesus references “the blood of righteous Abel”
• 1 Peter 2:22 — Abel as example of righteous suffering
• Revelation 6:10 — Echo of Abel’s blood crying for justice