Bible Study: Genesis 4 -- Cain Murders Abel

In this chapter of Genesis, we see ugly consequences of sin. Abel harbors hatred, and, as Jesus predicted (Matthew 5:21-22), it led to full-blown murder. Jesus wisely understood that we must do more than control our outward actions -- we must also control our inward thoughts. Once we permit sinful, ugly thoughts to roam about our heads at will, it is only a matter of time before they lead to sinful, ugly actions. There is no place for sin -- no compromise -- for the Christian soul.

These are the study notes that I include on the printout of the Bible study that I prepared on this chapter. You may wish to consider adding some of them to your own.

(v.2) Ominously, Eve’s second son is named Abel – Haabel – which means transitoriness, or brevity. Abel’s life would indeed by brief.

Why did God reject the offering of Cain, while accepting that of Abel?

In this chapter, we have the first recorded sin committed after the fall and became aware of good and evil. God warns Cain about sin (v.7) and tells him that he must control his urges. Cain ignores God and commits the first recorded premeditated sin – murder. It is also the first death in the family of Adam, and perhaps in human history.

This chapter illustrates the progress of sin in man’s life. Cain has a fairly minor sin – envy. He does not attempt to master it, as God commands, and it leads to murderous rage. Thereafter, Cain is a cursed fugitive. Are their small sins in our lives that can lead to our destruction, and that of our families?

The Lord confronts Adam, Eve, and Cain with their sin by asking questions. What might be some of the reasons for this approach?

The lifestyle of Cain’s family is a picture of humanity – technical progress matched by moral decline. How do you see this trend reflected in our own civilization?

What remains glossed over in this chapter are the reactions of Adam and Eve. One of their sons is dead, and the other is a fugitive from justice. They are an older couple, left alone to begin rebuilding their family. Have you seen people whose children have died reconstruct their lives? How does God support and bless them?