Cain

Cain is born to Adam and Eve, the first human being born naturally. Eve names him Cain, saying 'With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man.' His name sounds like the Hebrew word for 'acquired' or 'gotten.'

Cain becomes a farmer, working the ground that God has cursed because of Adam's sin. His occupation contrasts with his brother Abel's shepherding. Both brothers pursue legitimate work, but their hearts differ.

Cain brings an offering of fruits of the soil, while Abel brings fat portions from the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looks with favor on Abel's offering but not on Cain's. The text does not explain the difference, but later Scripture emphasizes Abel's faith.

Cain becomes angry and his face is downcast. God warns him: 'If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.'

Cain invites Abel to the field and attacks him, killing his brother. This is the first murder in human history, the first shedding of human blood. Sin, which had entered through Adam, now produces its fruit of death.

God asks Cain where his brother is. Cain lies: 'I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?' God reveals that Abel's blood cries out from the ground. The blood speaks of injustice demanding justice.

God curses Cain from the ground that received Abel's blood. The ground will no longer yield crops for him. He will be a restless wanderer on the earth. Cain complains that his punishment is more than he can bear.

Cain fears that anyone who finds him will kill him. God puts a mark on Cain so that no one will kill him, promising sevenfold vengeance on anyone who does. Even in judgment, God shows mercy by preserving Cain's life.

Cain goes out from the Lord's presence and settles in the land of Nod, east of Eden. The name Nod means 'wandering,' fulfilling his sentence to be a restless wanderer. He moves further from Eden, deeper into exile.

Cain has a son named Enoch and builds a city, naming it after his son. His descendants develop civilization: tent dwelling, livestock, musical instruments, and metal tools. Yet this line culminates in Lamech's violence.