Genesis 4:1-9

1 Adam vero cognovit Havam uxorem suam quae concepit et peperit Cain dicens possedi hominem per Dominum

2 rursusque peperit fratrem eius Abel fuit autem Abel pastor ovium et Cain agricola

3 factum est autem post multos dies ut offerret Cain de fructibus terrae munera Domino

4 Abel quoque obtulit de primogenitis gregis sui et de adipibus eorum et respexit Dominus ad Abel et ad munera eius

5 ad Cain vero et ad munera illius non respexit iratusque est Cain vehementer et concidit vultus eius

6 dixitque Dominus ad eum quare maestus es et cur concidit facies tua

7 nonne si bene egeris recipies sin autem male statim in foribus peccatum aderit sed sub te erit appetitus eius et tu dominaberis illius

8 dixitque Cain ad Abel fratrem suum egrediamur foras cumque essent in agro consurrexit Cain adversus Abel fratrem suum et interfecit eum

9 et ait Dominus ad Cain ubi est Abel frater tuus qui respondit nescio num custos fratris mei sum

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.