Topical Bible: Envy: Cain

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Introduction

Envy is a destructive emotion that can lead to severe consequences, as illustrated in the biblical account of Cain and Abel. This entry explores the theme of envy through the account of Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, whose jealousy led to the first murder recorded in Scripture.

Biblical Account

The account of Cain and Abel is found in Genesis 4:1-16. Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, both brought offerings to the LORD. Abel's offering was accepted, while Cain's was not. Genesis 4:4-5 states, "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 Nature of Envy

Envy, as demonstrated by Cain, is a feeling of discontent and resentment aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or achievements. Cain's envy was rooted in his perception of God's favor towards Abel. Instead of examining his own heart and actions, Cain allowed envy to fester, leading to anger and ultimately, violence.

God's Warning

God, in His mercy, addressed Cain's emotional state 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." This warning highlights the personal responsibility Cain had to overcome his envy and the potential for sin to dominate if left unchecked.

The Consequences of Envy

Despite God's warning, Cain allowed envy to control him, leading to the murder of his brother Abel. Genesis 4:8 recounts, "Then Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go out to the field.' And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him." This act of violence resulted in severe consequences for Cain. He was cursed and became a wanderer on the earth, as described in Genesis 4:11-12 : "Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth."

Theological Implications

The account of Cain and Abel serves as a profound lesson on the dangers of envy and the importance of mastering one's emotions. It underscores the need for self-examination and repentance when faced with feelings of jealousy. The narrative also illustrates the justice and mercy of God, who provides warnings and opportunities for repentance, yet holds individuals accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

The account of Cain and Abel is a sobering reminder of the destructive power of envy. It calls believers to guard their hearts against jealousy and to seek God's guidance in overcoming sinful desires. Through this account, Scripture teaches the importance of righteousness, personal responsibility, and the consequences of allowing envy to take root in one's life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 4:5
But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Cause of Cain's Crime and his Obstinacy, which not Even the ...
... of which the apostle says, "The flesh lusteth against the spirit," [789] among the
fruits of which lust he names envy, by which assuredly Cain was stung and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 7 of the cause of.htm

Cain's Name and Nature.
... her first-born son, calling him Cain, which has a capability of interpretation in
two ways; [970] for it is interpreted both Possession and Envy, as signifying ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xxv cains name and nature.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel
his brother, and slew him." [18] Ye see, brethren, how envy and jealousy led ...
/.../chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... And it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel
his brother, and slew him." [4016] Ye see, brethren, how envy and jealousy ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... Seth who was in Abel's stead shadowed out the Son as slain, by Whose death
was dulled the envy Cain had brought into the world! ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... hence the abominable fratricides, in that the unrighteous Cain is jealous of the
righteous Abel, in that the wicked persecutes the good with envy and jealousy. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

Cain and Abel. Gen 4:3-8
... In type of the Redeemer's blood,. Self-righteous reas'ning Cain disdained,. And
thought his own first-fruits as good. Yet rage and envy filled his mind,. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 2 cain and abel.htm

The Testament of Benjamin Concerning a Pure Mind.
... In seven [189] hundred years was Cain judged, and Lamech in seventy times seven;
because for ever those who are likened unto Cain in envy unto hatred of ...
/.../xii the testament of benjamin concerning.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... the sin. It begins with envy and jealousy. Cain was not wroth because
his offering was rejected. What did he care for that? But ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

The Life of Adam
... Whereof Cain had great envy unto his brother Abel, which arose against him and
slew him. And our Lord said to him: Where is Abel thy brother? ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the life of adam.htm