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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/hebrews/11-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/58_Heb_11_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Hebrews 11:4 - The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. 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By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11.htm">New Living Translation</a> It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. <a href="/esv/hebrews/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. <a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts; and through it, having died, he still speaks. <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11.htm">King James Bible</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. <a href="/nkjv/hebrews/11.htm">New King James Version</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. <a href="/nasb_/hebrews/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/nasb77/hebrews/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God testifying about his gifts, and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/lsb/hebrews/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was approved as being righteous—God approving his gifts—and through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/amp/hebrews/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which it was testified of him that he was righteous (upright, in right standing with God), and God testified by accepting his gifts. And though he died, yet through [this act of] faith he still speaks. <a href="/csb/hebrews/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. <a href="/hcsb/hebrews/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was approved as a righteous man, because God approved his gifts, and even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith. <a href="/asv/hebrews/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh. <a href="/cev/hebrews/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Because Abel had faith, he offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. God was pleased with him and his gift, and even though Abel is now dead, his faith still speaks for him. <a href="/erv/hebrews/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous, God bearing witness in respect of his gifts: and through it he being dead yet speaketh. <a href="/gwt/hebrews/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Faith led Abel to offer God a better sacrifice than Cain's sacrifice. Through his faith Abel received God's approval, since God accepted his sacrifices. Through his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. <a href="/gnt/hebrews/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> It was faith that made Abel offer to God a better sacrifice than Cain's. Through his faith he won God's approval as a righteous man, because God himself approved of his gifts. By means of his faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. <a href="/isv/hebrews/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain did, and by faith he was declared to be righteous, since God himself accepted his offerings. And by faith he continues to speak, even though he is dead. <a href="/msb/hebrews/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. <a href="/net/hebrews/11.htm">NET Bible</a> By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith he was commended as righteous, because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith he still speaks, though he is dead. <a href="/nheb/hebrews/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> By faith, Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested as righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and though he died he still speaks through it. <a href="/wbt/hebrews/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain did, and through this faith he obtained testimony that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/web/hebrews/11.htm">World English Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/hebrews/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice to God than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and through it, he being dead, yet speaks. <a href="/blb/hebrews/11.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts; and through it, having died, he still speaks. <a href="/ylt/hebrews/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> by faith a better sacrifice did Abel offer to God than Cain, through which he was testified to be righteous, God testifying of his gifts, and through it, he being dead, doth yet speak. <a href="/slt/hebrews/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> By faith Abel brought near a greater sacrifice to God than Cain, by which he was testified of to be just, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaks.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/hebrews/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice exceeding that of Cain, by which he obtained a testimony that he was just, God giving testimony to his gifts; and by it he being dead yet speaketh. <a href="/cpdv/hebrews/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> By faith, Abel offered to God a much better sacrifice than that of Cain, through which he obtained testimony that he was just, in that God offered testimony to his gifts. And through that sacrifice, he still speaks to us, though he is dead. <a href="/nabre/hebrews/11.htm">New American Bible</a> By faith Abel offered to God a sacrifice greater than Cain’s. Through this he was attested to be righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts, and through this, though dead, he still speaks. <a href="/nrsvce/hebrews/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/hebrews/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It was by faith, Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice to God than Cain, and because of this, he received a testimonial that he was righteous, and God testified to his offering: therefore, even though he is dead, he speaks. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/hebrews/11.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> By faith, Abel offered to God a sacrifice much better than that of Cain, and because of it there is a testimony concerning him that he was righteous, and God testifies concerning his offering; and because of it, although he died, he also speaks.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/hebrews/11.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> By faith Abel offered to God more sacrifice than Cain; on account of which he received testimony that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and by it he, though dead, yet speaks.<CM> <a href="/godbey/hebrews/11.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> By faith Abel offered up to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he received the witness that he was righteous, God witnessing to his gifts: and through it he having died is still speaking. <a href="/haweis/hebrews/11.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a sacrifice of more excellence than Cain, by which he received a testimony that he was a righteous man, God bearing witness upon his gifts: and by this, though dead, he still speaketh.<CM> <a href="/mace/hebrews/11.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'Twas by faith that Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he was declared righteous, God himself having testified that he accepted his offering, and after he died for his faith, he was not silent. <a href="/wey/hebrews/11.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Through faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain did, and through this faith he obtained testimony that he was righteous, God giving the testimony by accepting his gifts; and through it, though he is dead, he still speaks. <a href="/worrell/hebrews/11.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he received witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he, being dead, is still speaking. <a href="/worsley/hebrews/11.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous, God bearing witness to his gifts: and by it, though dead, he yet speaketh. <a href="/parallel/hebrews/11-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x-IAXXp5zcA?start=2087" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/hebrews/11.htm">The Faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah</a> 3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4<a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: Pistei (N-DFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">By faith</a> <a href="/greek/6.htm" title="6: Habel (N-NMS) -- Abel, second son of Adam and Eve, brother of Cain. Of Hebrew origin; Abel, the son of Adam.">Abel</a> <a href="/greek/4374.htm" title="4374: prosēnenken (V-AIA-3S) -- From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat.">offered</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God</a> <a href="/greek/4119.htm" title="4119: pleiona (Adj-AFS-C) -- Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion.">a better</a> <a href="/greek/2378.htm" title="2378: thysian (N-AFS) -- Abstr. and concr: sacrifice; a sacrifice, offering. From thuo; sacrifice.">sacrifice</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: para (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">than</a> <a href="/greek/2535.htm" title="2535: Kain (N-AMS) -- (Hebrew), Cain, son of Adam and Eve and brother of Abel. Of Hebrew origin; Cain, the son of Adam.">Cain did.</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">By</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēs (RelPro-GFS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: emartyrēthē (V-AIP-3S) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">he was commended</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaios (Adj-NMS) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">righteous</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">when God</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyrountos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">gave approval</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">to</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1435.htm" title="1435: dōrois (N-DNP) -- A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice.">gifts.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: di’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">by</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autēs (PPro-GF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">faith</a> <a href="/greek/2089.htm" title="2089: eti (Adv) -- (a) of time: still, yet, even now, (b) of degree: even, further, more, in addition. Perhaps akin to etos; yet, still."></a> <a href="/greek/2980.htm" title="2980: lalei (V-PIA-3S) -- A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.">he still speaks,</a> <a href="/greek/599.htm" title="599: apothanōn (V-APA-NMS) -- To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off.">even though he is dead.</a> 5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Genesis 4:3-5</a> So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, / while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, / but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. <a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a> And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a> Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. <a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Luke 11:51</a> from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8-10</a> Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. / And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” / “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a> to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. <a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a> Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. <a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">Genesis 4:25</a> And Adam again had relations with his wife, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another seed in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22</a> But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Psalm 40:6</a> Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require. <a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a> The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. <a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11</a> “What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. <a href="/micah/6-6.htm">Micah 6:6-8</a> With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? / Would the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? / He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Romans 4:3</a> For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a> Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.faith.<a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Genesis 4:3-5,15,25</a> And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD… <a href="/1_john/3-11.htm">1 John 3:11,12</a> For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another… a more.<a href="/hebrews/9-22.htm">Hebrews 9:22</a> And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.<a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a> The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.<a href="/proverbs/21-27.htm">Proverbs 21:27</a> The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?he obtained.<a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Leviticus 9:24</a> And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.<a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">1 Kings 18:38</a> Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.<a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a> That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.and by.<a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1,24</a> Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, … <a href="/genesis/4-10.htm">Genesis 4:10</a> And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.<a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a> That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.yet speaketh.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-4.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Better</a> <a href="/joshua/15-57.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-6.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-9.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-12.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Received</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-38.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Testifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Acceptable</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-15.htm">Bearing</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-16.htm">Better</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-12.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">Gifts</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Offered</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Received</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-11.htm">Sacrifice</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-11.htm">Testifying</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Hebrews 11</div>1. <a href="/hebrews/11-1.htm">What faith is.</a> 6. <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Without faith we cannot please God.</a> 7. <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">The examples of faithfulness in the fathers of old time.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/hebrews/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/hebrews/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Abel's offering is significant as it represents the first recorded act of worship in the Bible. The phrase "by faith" indicates that Abel's sacrifice was made with a heart of trust and obedience to God, contrasting with Cain's offering, which lacked these qualities. Abel's sacrifice was a blood offering, which aligns with the later sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The distinction between Abel's and Cain's offerings highlights the importance of the heart's condition in worship, as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/16-7.htm">1 Samuel 16:7</a>, where God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances. Abel's faith is a precursor to the faith required for salvation, as emphasized in <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>.By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. Abel's righteousness is attributed to his faith, not merely the act of sacrifice itself. This aligns with the doctrine of justification by faith, as later expounded by Paul in <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Romans 4:3</a>, where Abraham's faith is credited as righteousness. God's approval of Abel's gifts signifies divine acceptance, which is a theme throughout Scripture, where God desires obedience and faith over mere ritual (<a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a>). Abel's commendation as righteous prefigures the righteousness imputed to believers through faith in Christ, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a>.And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. Abel's faith continues to testify to future generations, illustrating the enduring impact of a life lived in faith. This echoes the concept of a "cloud of witnesses" in <a href="/hebrews/12.htm">Hebrews 12:1</a>, where the faithful lives of past believers encourage and instruct current believers. Abel's story is a reminder of the eternal significance of faith, as his example transcends his earthly life. His blood, crying out from the ground (<a href="/genesis/4-10.htm">Genesis 4:10</a>), symbolizes the voice of justice and righteousness, contrasting with the blood of Christ, which speaks a better word (<a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a>), offering forgiveness and reconciliation. Abel's enduring testimony underscores the power of faith to transcend death, pointing to the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel</a> The second son of Adam and Eve, known for his righteous offering to God. His faith and sacrifice are highlighted as exemplary. 2. <a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain</a> The firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who offered a sacrifice that was not accepted by God, leading to jealousy and the murder of Abel. 3. <a href="/topical/g/god's_approval.htm">God's Approval</a> The divine acceptance of Abel's offering, which signifies God's recognition of Abel's faith and righteousness. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sacrifice.htm">The Sacrifice</a> Abel's offering, which was made by faith and was considered better than Cain's, indicating the importance of the heart's posture in worship. 5. <a href="/topical/a/abel's_legacy.htm">Abel's Legacy</a> Though Abel was murdered, his faith and righteousness continue to speak to believers, serving as a lasting testimony.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_as_the_foundation.htm">Faith as the Foundation</a> Abel's offering was accepted because it was made in faith. Our actions and offerings to God must be rooted in genuine faith. <a href="/topical/r/righteousness_through_faith.htm">Righteousness through Faith</a> Abel was commended as righteous because of his faith. True righteousness is not about external actions but the faith that motivates them. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_lasting_testimony.htm">The Power of a Lasting Testimony</a> Abel's faith continues to speak to us today. Our lives can leave a lasting impact when lived in faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_worship.htm">The Heart of Worship</a> God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself. Our worship should be sincere and faith-driven. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_jealousy_and_unbelief.htm">The Consequences of Jealousy and Unbelief</a> Cain's account warns us of the dangers of jealousy and a lack of faith, which can lead to destructive actions.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_hebrews_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Hebrews 11</a> <a href="/q/where_did_cain_go_after_banishment.htm">Where did Cain go after being banished by God?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_abel_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Abel in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_offerings_are_pleasing_to_god.htm">What offerings are pleasing to God?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_hall_of_faith's_meaning.htm">What is the significance of the Hall of Faith?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/hebrews/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) A more excellent.--The Greek literally means that Abel's sacrifice was "more than" Cain's (comp. <a href="/hebrews/3-3.htm" title="For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who has built the house has more honor than the house.">Hebrews 3:3</a>, "more glory"; <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm" title="Therefore I say to you, Take no thought for your life, what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?">Matthew 6:25</a>; <a href="/luke/11-32.htm" title="The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.">Luke 11:32</a>, et al.). The word "sacrifice" (which, as is the case with very many words in this chapter, is taken directly from the LXX.) has not its special sense (see Note on <a href="/hebrews/10-5.htm" title="Why when he comes into the world, he said, Sacrifice and offering you would not, but a body have you prepared me:">Hebrews 10:5</a>) in the narrative of Genesis 4; for the offerings of the two brothers are there designated by the same name, both in the Hebrew ("offering") and in the Greek ("sacrifice"). Hence, apart from the first words, "by faith," there is nothing here said to explain the superiority of Abel's offering; though one who believes sacrifice to have been of Divine institution, and who notes the close connection between God's word and the actions of the men whose faith is here recorded, may hold it probable that Abel's obedience was manifested in his mode of approaching God.By which he obtained witness.--Probably, "through which faith," but the Greek may also mean through which sacrifice. The witness (<a href="/hebrews/11-2.htm" title="For by it the elders obtained a good report.">Hebrews 11:2</a>) is that borne by God in His acceptance of the offering (shown by some visible sign); we might also add that such a testimony to Abel is implied in the reproof of Cain (<a href="/genesis/4-7.htm" title="If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And to you shall be his desire, and you shall rule over him.">Genesis 4:7</a>), but the following words, "God bearing witness over" (or in regard to) "his gifts," show what was chiefly in the writer's thought. Such acceptance implied Abel's righteousness and thus testified to his "faith." It is remarkable that in three out of the four places in which Abel is mentioned in the New Testament this epithet is used (<a href="/matthew/23-35.htm" title="That on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar.">Matthew 23:35</a>; <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm" title="Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And why slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.">1John 3:12</a>). In the later Jewish tradition (contained in the Targum of Jerusalem) the brothers are represented as types of faith and unbelief; and in <a href="/hebrews/11-10.htm" title="For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.">Hebrews 11:10</a>, "thy brother's blood" (Hebrew, "bloods") is expanded into "the blood of the multitude of the righteous who were to arise from thy brother." In this clause the authorities for the Greek text are much divided. One reading, "he testifying over his gifts to God," has the support of the three oldest MSS., but can hardly be correct. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/hebrews/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which (i.e. faith, not sacrifice, "faith" being the ruling idea of the whole passage) he obtained witness (literally, was witnessed of) that he was righteous, God testifying of (literally, witnessing upon, or, in respect to) his gifts: and through it (faith) he being dead yet speaketh. In the traditions preserved in Genesis of the dim and distant antediluvian period, three figures stand out prominently as representing the righteous seed in the midst of growing evil - Abel, Enoch, and Noah. These are, therefore, first adduced with the view of showing that it is in respect of faith that they are thus distinguished in the sacred record. With respect to Abel, it is not necessary to inquire or conjecture whether the bloody character of his offering is to be considered as constituting its superior excellence. The record in Genesis simply represents the two brothers as offering each what he had to offer in accordance with his occupation and pursuits, the only difference being that Abel is said to, have offered his firstlings and the fat thereof, while nothing is said of Cain having brought his first fruits or his best. Then, in the account of the result, we are only told that unto one the LORD had respect, and not to the other, without mention of the reason why. It is usual to find a reason in the nature of Abel's offering as signifying atonement, and to suppose his faith manifested in his recognition of the need of such atonement, signified to him, as has been further supposed, by Divine command. This view of the intention of the narrative is indeed suggested by the description of what his offering was, viewed in the light of subsequent sacrificial theory; but it is not apparent in the narrative taken by itself, or in the reference to it in the passage before us. The acceptableness of the offering is here simply attributed, as of necessity, to the faith of the offerer, without any intimation of how that faith had been evinced. And with this view of the matter agrees the record itself, where it is said that "unto Abel and his offering the LORD had respect;" i.e. to Abel first, and then to his offering - the offering was accepted because Abel was, not Abel on account of his kind of offering. "Crone quod datur Deo ex dantis mente pensatur... Neque enim sacrum eloquimn dicit, Respexit ad munera Abel et ad Cain mqnera non respexit, sed prius air quid respexit ad Abel, ac deinde subjunxit, 'et ad munera ejus.' Idcirco non Abel ex muneribus, sed ex Abel munera oblata placuerunt" (St. Gregory, quoted by Delitzsch). "And he being dead," etc., refers plainly to <a href="/genesis/4-10.htm">Genesis 4:10</a>, "The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground." The same voice of innocent blood, which appealed at the beginning of human history to the God of righteousness, cries still through all the ages; it sounds in our own cars now, telling us that faith prevails on high, and that "right dear in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Cf. <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a> for an allusion again to the cry of the blood of Abel. The word αλεῖν is there also used, supporting the reading λαλεῖ, rather than the λαλεῖται of the Textus Receptus here. <a href="/commentaries/hebrews/11-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>By faith Πίστει (Pistei) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. Abel Ἅβελ (Habel) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> Abel, second son of Adam and Eve, brother of Cain. Of Hebrew origin; Abel, the son of Adam. offered προσήνεγκεν (prosēnenken) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4374.htm">Strong's 4374: </a> From pros and phero; to bear towards, i.e. Lead to, tender, treat. God Θεῷ (Theō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. a better πλείονα (pleiona) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular - Comparative <a href="/greek/strongs_4119.htm">Strong's 4119: </a> Or neuter pleion, or pleon comparative of polus; more in quantity, number, or quality; also the major portion. sacrifice θυσίαν (thysian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2378.htm">Strong's 2378: </a> Abstr. and concr: sacrifice; a sacrifice, offering. From thuo; sacrifice. than παρὰ (para) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. Cain [did]. Κάϊν (Kain) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2535.htm">Strong's 2535: </a> (Hebrew), Cain, son of Adam and Eve and brother of Abel. Of Hebrew origin; Cain, the son of Adam. By δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [faith] ἧς (hēs) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. he was commended ἐμαρτυρήθη (emartyrēthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. as εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. righteous δίκαιος (dikaios) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. [when] God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. gave approval μαρτυροῦντος (martyrountos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify. to ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. gifts. δώροις (dōrois) Noun - Dative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1435.htm">Strong's 1435: </a> A gift, present. A present; specially, a sacrifice. And καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. by δι’ (di’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. [faith] αὐτῆς (autēs) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. he still speaks, λαλεῖ (lalei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2980.htm">Strong's 2980: </a> A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words. [even though] he is dead. ἀποθανὼν (apothanōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_599.htm">Strong's 599: </a> To be dying, be about to die, wither, decay. From apo and thnesko; to die off. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">NT Letters: Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered to God (Heb. He. Hb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/hebrews/11-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Hebrews 11:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Hebrews 11:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Hebrews 11:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>