Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:Cain is a significant figure in the Bible, known as the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a farmer who becomes infamous for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel. Cain's narrative is often explored in theological discussions concerning sin, free will, and divine justice.
Biblical Account:Cain's account is introduced in
Genesis 4. As the firstborn, Cain worked the soil, while his brother Abel was a keeper of sheep. In
Genesis 4:3-5 , it is written: "So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD, while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell."
The rejection of Cain's offering led to jealousy and anger, which God addressed directly. In
Genesis 4:6-7 , the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it."
Despite this warning, Cain lured Abel into the field and killed him, committing the first murder recorded in Scripture. When God inquired about Abel's whereabouts, Cain responded with the infamous retort, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" (
Genesis 4:9).
Divine Judgment and Mark of Cain:God's response to Cain's sin was swift and severe. In
Genesis 4:10-12 , God declared, "What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."
Cain expressed fear that others would kill him in retaliation, prompting God to place a mark on Cain to protect him, as stated in
Genesis 4:15 : "Not so! If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold." This mark served as both a sign of protection and a reminder of his transgression.
Legacy and Descendants:Cain's legacy is marked by his departure from the presence of the LORD and his settlement in the land of Nod, east of Eden. He fathered a line of descendants, beginning with his son Enoch, after whom he named a city (
Genesis 4:17). Cain's lineage is noted for its cultural contributions, including advancements in agriculture, music, and metallurgy, as seen in the lives of his descendants Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain (
Genesis 4:20-22).
Theological Implications:Cain's account is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the nature of sin and the importance of obedience to God. His failure to master sin, despite divine warning, highlights the human struggle with temptation and the consequences of yielding to it. The narrative also underscores themes of divine justice and mercy, as God both punishes and protects Cain.
New Testament References:Cain is mentioned in the New Testament as a symbol of unrighteousness and hatred. In 1
John 3:12 , believers are admonished not to be like Cain, "who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother."
Jude 1:11 also warns against following "the way of Cain," associating it with rebellion and moral failure.
Conclusion:Cain's account serves as a foundational narrative in understanding the early human condition, the nature of sin, and the complexities of divine-human interaction. His life and actions continue to be a subject of reflection and teaching within the Christian tradition.
Library
How it is thatCain's Line Terminates in the Eighth Generation...
... Chapter 20."How It is thatCain's Line Terminates in the Eighth Generation, While
Noah, Though Descended from the Same Father, Adam, is Found to Be the Tenth...
Of the Cause ofCain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the...
... Book XV. Chapter 7."Of the Cause ofCain's Crime and His Obstinacy, Which
Not Even the Word of God Could Subdue. But though God...
WhatCain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History...
... Book XV. Chapter 8."WhatCain's Reason Was for Building a City So Early
in the History of the Human Race. At present it is the...
Cain's Crime.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book II. Chapter XXIX."Cain's Crime. When, then,
Adam knew Eve his wife, she conceived and bare a son...
Cain's Family and their Inventions.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book II. Chapter XXX."Cain's Family and Their
Inventions.Cain also himself had a son, whose name was...
Cain's Name and Nature.
... Homily III. Chapter XXV."Cain's Name and Nature. "Hence the ambiguous name
which she gave to her first-born son, calling himCain...
Why it is That, as Soon asCain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the...
... Chapter 21."Why It is That, as Soon asCain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the Genealogy
is Forthwith Continued as Far as the Deluge, While After the Mention of...
The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... THE STORY OFCAIN."Gen.4:1-16.... Now in the course of time it came to pass, thatCain
brought some of the fruit of the ground as an offering to Jehovah....
The Protevangelium.
... element of truth in the opinion, that Satan is in this passage called the murderer
of men from the beginning, with reference to the murder byCain"an opinion...
The Growth and Power of Sin
... GENESIS THE GROWTH AND POWER OF SIN. 'And in process of time it came to pass, that
Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord....
Thesaurus
Cain's (3 Occurrences)...Cain's (3 Occurrences). Genesis 4:2 Again she gave birth, to
Cain's brother Abel.
Abel was a keeper of sheep, but
Cain was a tiller of the ground. (WEB).
...Tubal-cain's (1 Occurrence)
Tubal-cain's. Tubal-cain, Tubal-cain's. Tubes . Multi-Version
Concordance Tubal-cain's (1 Occurrence). Genesis 4:22...
Abel (22 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Hebrews Hebhel), a breath, or vanity, the second son
of Adam and Eve. He was put to death by his brotherCain (Genesis 4:1-16)....
Cain (18 Occurrences)
... Abel's offering was of the "firstlings of his flock and of the fat," whileCain's
was "of the fruit of the ground." Abel's sacrifice was "more excellent...CAIN....
Tubal-cain (1 Occurrence)
Tubal-cain. Tubalcain, Tubal-cain. Tubal-cain's . Easton's Bible Dictionary...
TUBAL-CAIN. tu'-bal-kan (tubhal qayin): One of the sons of Lamech (Genesis 4:22)...
Cake (25 Occurrences)
Zillah (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Shadow, one of the wives of Lamech, of the line ofCain,
and mother of Tubal-cain (Genesis 4:19, 22).... TubalCain's sister was Naamah....
Naamah (5 Occurrences)
... NAAMAH (1). na'-a-ma. (na`amah, "pleasant"; Noema): (1) Daughter of Lamech and Zillah,
and sister of Tubal-cain (Genesis 4:22... TubalCain's sister was Naamah....
Na'amah (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 4:22 Zillah also gave birth to TubalCain, the forger of every cutting
instrument of brass and iron. TubalCain's sister was Naamah. (See RSV)....
Lamech's (2 Occurrences)
... Lamech's (2 Occurrences). Genesis 4:24 If seven lives are to be taken as punishment
forCain's death, seventy-seven will be taken for Lamech's. (BBE)....
Resources
Who was Cain's wife? Was Cain's wife his sister? | GotQuestions.orgWhy wasn't Cain's punishment death (Genesis 4:14)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God accept Abel's offering but reject Cain's offering? Why did Cain then kill Abel? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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