Bible Figure
Cain
borther-murderer of Abel, brother-husband of Aclima in the Abrahamic religions
Cain was the first son of Adam and Eve and the farmer who murdered his brother Abel after God favored Abel's offering.
Biography
Genesis 4 records Eve giving birth to Cain and later Abel. Cain worked the ground and brought an offering from its produce, while Abel brought firstborn animals and their fat portions. When God regarded Abel and his offering but not Cain and his, Cain became angry. God warned him that sin was crouching at the door and must be mastered, but Cain killed Abel in the field. When confronted, Cain denied responsibility with the question, 'Am I my brother's keeper?' God cursed him from the ground and made him a restless wanderer, yet placed a protective mark on him. Cain later built a city, and Genesis traces a line of descendants through him.
Biblical Significance
Cain's story introduces murder, fratricide, and the escalating consequences of sin after Eden. The New Testament repeatedly uses Cain as a negative example of hatred, evil works, and rejection of the way of righteousness.