Keraia
Genesis 4

Genesis 4:2

Cain and Abel · Genesis 4:1–16
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Translations

Modern
Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil.
Traditional
And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
Literal
And she continued to give birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain was a worker of the ground.
Latin
Rursumque peperit fratrem ejus Abel. Fuit autem Abel pastor ovium, et Cain agricola.

Original

Hebrew
English
Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil.

Notes

Genesis 4:2

Cain's brother Abel: The name "Abel" may come from the Hebrew word habel, meaning "breath," "vapor," or "meaningless." This might hint at Abel's tragically short life (compare Ecclesiastes 1:2). Alternatively, it may come from the Akkadian word ablu, meaning "son."

Theme notes and profiles

Symbolic Numbers The Creation

Events

Parallels

Hebrews 11:4

People

Abel: Adam and Eve's second son, killed by Cain Cain: Adam and Eve's firstborn son, killed his brother Abel

Glossary

Abel (Person) Agriculture Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) City Eve Genesis, Book of Land Marriage, Marriage Customs Mesopotamia Patriarchs, Period of the Sheep Woman

Topics

Abel: Son of Adam--History of Adam: The First Man: Subsequent History of Agriculture or Farming: Patriarchs Engaged In Agriculture or Farming: Persons Engaged In, Called: Tillers of the Ground Agriculture: Called Tiller of the Ground Agriculture: Practiced by Cain Antediluvians: Arts of Antediluvians: Occupations of Arts of The: Husbandman Eve: Children of Shepherd: Abel Shepherds: Early Mention of