Topical Encyclopedia Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, is a significant figure in the early chapters of Genesis. His account is primarily found in Genesis 4:1-16, where he is depicted as a farmer and the first human born after the creation. Cain's life and actions have been the subject of much theological reflection and discussion, particularly concerning themes of sin, judgment, and redemption.Birth and Occupation Cain's birth is recorded in Genesis 4:1: "Now Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. 'With the help of the LORD, I have brought forth a man,' she said." This statement reflects Eve's acknowledgment of God's role in the process of creation and life. Cain's occupation as a "tiller of the ground" (Genesis 4:2) aligns with the curse placed upon the ground due to Adam's sin (Genesis 3:17-19), indicating the continuation of humanity's struggle with the earth. The Offering and Murder of Abel The narrative of Cain takes a pivotal turn with the account of his offering to the LORD. Genesis 4:3-5 describes how Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground, while his brother Abel brought an offering of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel's offering but not on Cain's. The text does not explicitly state why Cain's offering was rejected, leading to various interpretations. Some suggest it was due to the nature of the offering, while others propose it was Cain's attitude or lack of faith that was displeasing to God. Cain's reaction to the LORD's disfavor is one of anger and dejection. The LORD addresses Cain in Genesis 4:6-7, saying, "Why are you angry, and why is your face downcast? 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 to have you, but you must rule over it." This warning highlights the personal responsibility Cain has in mastering sin, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Tragically, Cain does not heed the warning. In a field, he rises against his brother Abel and kills him (Genesis 4:8). This act of fratricide marks the first murder in human history and underscores the destructive power of sin when left unchecked. Divine Judgment and Exile Following Abel's murder, the LORD confronts Cain with a question reminiscent of His inquiry to Adam in Genesis 3:9. "Where is your brother Abel?" (Genesis 4:9). Cain's infamous response, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" reveals his defiance and lack of repentance. The LORD pronounces judgment on Cain, declaring that the ground will no longer yield its strength to him and that he will be a "restless wanderer on the earth" (Genesis 4:12). Cain's punishment is severe, yet it is tempered with mercy. When Cain expresses fear that others will kill him, the LORD places a mark on him as a sign of protection, ensuring that he will not be slain (Genesis 4:15). This mark, though its nature is unspecified, serves as a testament to God's continued grace even in judgment. Legacy and Descendants Cain's legacy is further explored through his descendants, as recorded in Genesis 4:17-24. He builds a city named after his son Enoch, indicating a shift from a nomadic to a settled lifestyle. His lineage includes figures such as Lamech, who is noted for his polygamy and boastful declaration of vengeance, reflecting the moral decline that follows Cain's initial act of violence. The New Testament references Cain as a warning against 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 mentions Cain in the context of those who have gone astray, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God's ways. Cain's account serves as a profound illustration of the human condition, the pervasive nature of sin, and the need for divine grace and redemption. His life and actions continue to be a sobering reminder of the choices that define our relationship with God and others. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 4:1And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Greek 2535. Kain -- Cain, a son of Adam ... Indeclinable Transliteration: Kain Phonetic Spelling: (kah'-in) Short Definition: Cain Definition: (Hebrew), Cain, son of Adam and Eve and brother of Abel. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2535.htm - 6k 6. Habel -- Abel, a son of Adam Strong's Hebrew 7014b. Qayin -- oldest son of Adam and Eve... Word Origin from the same as qayin Definition oldest son of Adam and Eve NASB Word Usage Cain (16). 7014a, 7014b. Qayin. 7015 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/7014b.htm - 5k Library Why it is That, as Soon as Cain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the ... How it is that Cain's Line Terminates in the Eighth Generation ... Concerning the Posterity of Adam, and the Ten Generations from Him ... What Cain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History ... The Story of Noah and the Ark Cain's Crime. And when they were Put Out of Paradise, Adam and his Wife. ... Of the Two Fathers and Leaders who Sprang from one Progenitor. The Life of Adam Whether it is Credible that the Men of the Primitive Age Abstained ... Resources Who was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy wasn't Cain's punishment death (Genesis 4:14)? | GotQuestions.org What/where was the land of Nod in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Cain: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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