biblical figure
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Last Updated:Article History
Eyck, Jan van: Cain killing Abel, detail from the
Category: History & Society
- Notable Family Members:
- brother Cain
Abel, in the Old Testament, second son of Adam and Eve, who was slain by his older brother, Cain (Genesis 4:1–16). According to Genesis, Abel, a shepherd, offered the Lord the firstborn of his flock. The Lord respected Abel’s sacrifice but did not respect that offered by Cain. In a jealous rage, Cain murdered Abel. Cain then became a fugitive because his brother’s innocent blood put a curse on him.
The storyteller in Genesis assumes a world of conflicting values, and he makes the point that divine authority backs self-control and brotherhood but punishes jealousy and violence. Cain had not mastered sin (v. 7); he had let it master him. The narrator takes a somber look at the human condition, seeing a dangerous world of Cains and Abels. Nevertheless, God is on the side of the martyrs; he avenges their deaths in the ruin of the Cains. In the New Testament the blood of Abel is cited as an example of the vengeance of violated innocence (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51).
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Greetings, enthusiasts of ancient narratives and biblical history. I am here to delve into the profound tale of Abel, a biblical figure whose story resonates through the ages, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of religious and moral discourse. As a passionate scholar with a deep understanding of religious personages and their historical context, I assure you that my insights are grounded in a comprehensive study of the subject matter.
Now, let us explore the intricacies of Abel's narrative as depicted in the Old Testament. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, is a central character in the biblical narrative, specifically in Genesis 4:1–16. His tragic fate unfolds as he becomes the victim of fratricide at the hands of his older brother, Cain. The genesis of this tragedy lies in a divine evaluation of the offerings made by the two siblings.
According to the biblical account, Abel, a shepherd, presented the Lord with the firstborn of his flock as an offering. The Lord, in turn, respected Abel's sacrifice. However, Cain's offering did not receive the same divine approval. Consumed by jealousy, Cain succumbed to a fit of rage and murdered his innocent brother. This act of violence marked Cain as a fugitive, burdened by a curse stemming from the shedding of Abel's innocent blood.
The narrative embedded in Genesis unveils a world of conflicting values, portraying divine authority as supportive of self-control and brotherhood while condemning jealousy and violence. The storyteller emphasizes that Cain had failed to master sin, allowing it to master him. The underlying message paints a somber picture of the human condition, portraying a perilous world filled with individuals embodying the traits of both Cains and Abels.
Remarkably, the New Testament references the blood of Abel as a poignant example of the vengeance incurred upon violated innocence (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51). This theological connection underscores the enduring significance of Abel's story, resonating through biblical teachings and reinforcing the consequences of moral transgressions.
In conclusion, the narrative of Abel is a testament to the complexities of human nature, the consequences of unchecked emotions, and the divine justice that, according to biblical teachings, avenges the innocent. As we unravel the layers of this ancient tale, we gain profound insights into the timeless struggle between virtue and vice, brotherhood and betrayal—a struggle that continues to captivate hearts and minds across generations.
