Genesis 4:1-7

1 Then Adam had intercourse with his wife, and she became pregnant. She bore a son and said, "By the Lord's help I have gotten a son." So she named him Cain.

2 Later she gave birth to another son, Abel. Abel became a shepherd, but Cain was a farmer.

3 After some time Cain brought some of his harvest and gave it as an offering to the Lord.

4 Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering. The Lord was pleased with Abel and his offering, ¹

5 but he rejected Cain and his offering. Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger.

6 Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why that scowl on your face?

7 If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it."

Genesis 4:1-7 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 4

In this chapter an account is given of the two eldest children of Adam and Eve, their names and calling, Ge 4:1,2 and of their different offerings to the Lord, and the different respect had unto them by him, which in Cain issued in wrath and envy, which appeared in his countenance, and were taken notice of by the Lord, and about which he reasoned with him, Ge 4:3-7 but it had no effect upon him, he murdered his brother, upon which he was examined about him, but denied he knew anything of him where he was, Ge 4:8,9 he is arraigned, convicted and condemned, sentence passed upon him, and that executed, which he complains of, and is mitigated, or however a protection is granted him, and a mark set on him for his security, Ge 4:10-15 after which we have an account of his posterity for several generations, their names, and the business of some of them, Ge 4:16-24 and the chapter is closed with the birth of another son, and of a grandson to Adam and Eve, in whose days was the beginning of social religion.

Cross References

• 1. 4.4Hebrews 11.4.

Footnotes

• [a]. cain: [This name sounds like the Hebrew for "gotten."]
• [b]. you would be smiling; [or] I would have accepted your offering.