Genesis 4:1-9

1 Adam had sexual relations with his wife Eve, and she became preg- nant and gave birth to Cain. Eve said, "With the Lord's help, I have given birth to a man."

2 After that, Eve gave birth to Cain's brother Abel. Abel took care of flocks, and Cain became a farmer.

3 Later, Cain brought some food from the ground as a gift to God.

4 Abel brought the best parts from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift,

5 but he did not accept Cain and his gift. So Cain became very angry and felt rejected.

6 The Lord asked Cain, "Why are you angry? Why do you look so unhappy?

7 If you do things well, I will accept you, but if you do not do them well, sin is ready to attack you. Sin wants you, but you must rule over it."

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out into the field." While they were out in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.

9 Later, the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" Cain answered, "I don't know. Is it my job to take care of my brother?"

Genesis 4:1-9 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.