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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>Genesis 4:8 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/4-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/01_Gen_04_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 4:8 - Cain Murders Abel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Cain said to his brother Abel, Let us go out to the field. 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And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</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. <a href="/kjv/genesis/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/nkjv/genesis/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. <a href="/nasb_/genesis/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Cain talked to his brother Abel; and it happened that when they were in the field Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/nasb/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. <a href="/nasb77/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. <a href="/lsb/genesis/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Cain spoke to Abel his brother; and it happened when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. <a href="/amp/genesis/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Cain talked with Abel his brother [about what God had said]. And when they were [alone, working] in the field, Cain attacked Abel his brother and killed him. <a href="/csb/genesis/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/hcsb/genesis/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, &#8220Let&#8217s go out to the field.&#8221 And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/asv/genesis/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/cev/genesis/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go for a walk." And when they were out in a field, Cain attacked and killed him. <a href="/erv/genesis/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/gwt/genesis/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Cain talked to his brother Abel. Later, when they were in the fields, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/gnt/genesis/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out in the fields." When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him. <a href="/isv/genesis/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Instead, Cain told his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the wilderness." When they were outside in the fields, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/msb/genesis/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</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. <a href="/net/genesis/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/nheb/genesis/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Cain said to Abel, his brother, "Let's go into the field." It happened when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him. <a href="/wbt/genesis/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/web/genesis/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/genesis/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Cain says to his brother Abel, [[“Let us go into the field”;]] and it comes to pass in their being in the field, that Cain rises up against his brother Abel, and slays him. <a href="/ylt/genesis/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Cain saith unto Abel his brother, 'Let us go into the field;' and it cometh to pass in their being in the field, that Cain riseth up against Abel his brother, and slayeth him. <a href="/slt/genesis/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Cain will speak to Abel his brother; and it shall be in their being in the field, Cain will rise up against Abel his brother, and will kill him.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/genesis/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Cain said to Abel his brother: Let us go forth abroad. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew him. <a href="/cpdv/genesis/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go outside.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and he put him to death. <a href="/nabre/genesis/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.” When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. <a href="/nrsvce/genesis/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/genesis/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Cain said to Abel his brother, Let us go to the plain; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/hpbt/genesis/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Qayn said to Habyl his brother, “Let us proceed to the plain”; and it was that when they were in a field, Qayn arose against Habyl his brother and killed him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/genesis/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/sep/genesis/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Cain said to Abel his brother, Let us go out into the plain; and it came to pass that when they were in the plain Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/parallel/genesis/4-8.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/7ehevn8iSgc?start=823" 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/genesis/4.htm">Cain Murders Abel</a> 8<a href="/hebrew/7014.htm" title="7014: qa·yin (N-proper-ms) -- The same as qayin; Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in Palestine, and of an Oriental tribe.">Then Cain</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/1893.htm" title="1893: he·ḇel (N-proper-ms) -- The second son of Adam. The same as hebel; Hebel, the son of Adam.">Abel, “Let us go out to the field.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: bih·yō·w·ṯām (Prep-b:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">while they were</a> <a href="/hebrew/7704.htm" title="7704: baś·śā·ḏeh (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Field, land. Or saday; from an unused root meaning to spread out; a field.">in the field,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7014.htm" title="7014: qa·yin (N-proper-ms) -- The same as qayin; Kajin, the name of the first child, also of a place in Palestine, and of an Oriental tribe.">Cain</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">rose up</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥîw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">his brother</a> <a href="/hebrew/1893.htm" title="1893: he·ḇel (N-proper-ms) -- The second son of Adam. The same as hebel; Hebel, the son of Adam.">Abel</a> <a href="/hebrew/2026.htm" title="2026: way·ya·har·ḡê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To kill, slay. A primitive root; to smite with deadly intent.">and killed him.</a> 9And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”…<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="/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="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</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="/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="/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="/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="/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="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a> Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. <a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11-12</a> If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. <a href="/matthew/5-21.htm">Matthew 5:21-22</a> You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. <a href="/romans/8-7.htm">Romans 8:7</a> because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. <a href="/james/4-2.htm">James 4:2</a> You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8</a> He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. <a href="/psalms/37-32.htm">Psalm 37:32</a> Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a> There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, ... <a href="/isaiah/1-15.htm">Isaiah 1:15</a> When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.talked.<a href="/2_samuel/3-27.htm">2 Samuel 3:27</a> And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother.<a href="/2_samuel/13-26.htm">2 Samuel 13:26-28</a> Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king said unto him, Why should he go with thee? … <a href="/2_samuel/20-9.htm">2 Samuel 20:9,10</a> And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him… Cain rose.<a href="/2_samuel/14-6.htm">2 Samuel 14:6</a> And thy handmaid had two sons, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one smote the other, and slew him.<a href="/job/11-15.htm">Job 11:15</a> For then shalt thou lift up thy face without spot; yea, thou shalt be stedfast, and shalt not fear:<a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Psalm 24:3-6</a> Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/revelation/11-7.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-37.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/genesis/4-6.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/genesis/3-4.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/3-18.htm">Field</a> <a href="/revelation/19-21.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/james/4-13.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/john/13-4.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/revelation/20-5.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-9.htm">Slayeth</a> <a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/revelation/21-15.htm">Talked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/4-9.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/genesis/14-15.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/genesis/49-19.htm">Attacked</a> <a href="/genesis/4-9.htm">Cain</a> <a href="/genesis/4-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/genesis/23-9.htm">Field</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/genesis/11-3.htm">Let's</a> <a href="/genesis/19-27.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/7-17.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/genesis/4-15.htm">Slayeth</a> <a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/genesis/17-3.htm">Talked</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 4</div>1. <a href="/genesis/4-1.htm">The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel.</a> 8. <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Cain murders his brother Abel.</a> 11. <a href="/genesis/4-11.htm">The curse of Cain.</a> 17. <a href="/genesis/4-17.htm">Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name.</a> 18. <a href="/genesis/4-18.htm">His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives.</a> 25. <a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">The birth of Seth,</a> 26. <a href="/genesis/4-26.htm">and Enos.</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/genesis/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Then Cain said to his brother Abel, This phrase introduces the first recorded conversation between Cain and Abel, highlighting the relational aspect of their interaction. The absence of Abel's response suggests a one-sided dialogue, possibly indicating Cain's deceitful intentions. The narrative follows the offerings made by both brothers, where God favored Abel's sacrifice over Cain's, leading to Cain's anger and jealousy. This moment foreshadows the tragic outcome of their relationship, reflecting the destructive power of sin and envy.“Let us go out to the field.” The field represents a secluded place away from the presence of others, symbolizing isolation and vulnerability. In ancient agrarian societies, fields were common settings for labor and interaction, but here it becomes a place of betrayal. The invitation to the field may imply premeditation, as Cain seeks a private location to carry out his plan. This setting contrasts with the earlier scene of worship, moving from a place of divine interaction to one of human conflict.And while they were in the field, The narrative shifts to the field, emphasizing the transition from intention to action. The field, a place of potential growth and life, becomes a site of death and destruction. This setting underscores the theme of sin's pervasive impact on creation, as the ground itself will later be cursed due to Cain's actions. The phrase also highlights the vulnerability of Abel, who is unsuspecting of his brother's intentions.Cain rose up against his brother Abel Cain's rising up signifies a deliberate and aggressive action, marking the culmination of his internal struggle with sin. This act of violence is the first recorded murder in Scripture, illustrating the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and jealousy. The fraternal relationship between Cain and Abel is shattered, reflecting the broader theme of broken relationships due to sin, which began with Adam and Eve's disobedience.and killed him. The act of murder is the ultimate expression of Cain's rebellion against God and rejection of his brother. This event foreshadows the pervasive violence that will characterize humanity, as seen in the subsequent narratives of Genesis. Abel's death prefigures the suffering of the righteous, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, like Abel, was innocent yet suffered at the hands of others. Abel's blood cries out from the ground, symbolizing the need for justice and pointing to the future redemption through Christ's atoning sacrifice.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain</a> The firstborn son of Adam and Eve, a farmer who becomes the first murderer in biblical history. 2. <a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel</a> The second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd whose offering was favored by God, leading to his murder by Cain. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_field.htm">The Field</a> The location where Cain lured Abel to carry out the murder, symbolizing isolation and premeditation. 4. <a href="/topical/m/murder_of_abel.htm">Murder of Abel</a> The first recorded act of murder in the Bible, highlighting the destructive power of sin. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god's_judgment.htm">God's Judgment</a> Although not explicitly in this verse, it sets the stage for God's subsequent judgment on Cain.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_sin.htm">The Consequences of Sin</a> Sin, once it takes root, can lead to devastating actions. Cain's unchecked anger and jealousy led to murder. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_heart_attitude.htm">The Importance of Heart Attitude</a> God looks at the heart, as seen in His acceptance of Abel's offering over Cain's. Our heart's condition is crucial in our relationship with God. <a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_jealousy_and_anger.htm">The Dangers of Jealousy and Anger</a> Jealousy and anger, if not addressed, can lead to destructive behavior. We must guard our hearts against these emotions. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_human_life.htm">The Value of Human Life</a> Abel's murder underscores the sanctity of human life, a principle that is foundational in Christian ethics. <a href="/topical/g/god's_justice_and_mercy.htm">God's Justice and Mercy</a> While God judges Cain, He also shows mercy by marking him for protection, illustrating God's balance of justice and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 4</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_family_conflict.htm">What does the Bible say about family conflict?</a> <a href="/q/is_christianity_linked_to_violence.htm">Is Christianity historically associated with violence?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_ask_cain_about_abel.htm">Genesis 4:8–10: Why would God question Cain about Abel’s whereabouts if God is supposed to be all-knowing? </a> <a href="/q/what_became_of_cain.htm">What became of Cain?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) And Cain talked with Abel his brother.--Heb., And Cain said unto Abel his brother. To this the Samaritan Pentateuch, the LXX., the Syriac, and the Vulg. add, "Let us go out into the field;" but neither the Targum of Onkelos nor any Hebrew MS. or authority, except the Jerusalem Targum, give this addition any support. The authority of the versions is, however, very great: first, because Hebrew MSS. are all comparatively modern; and secondly, because all at present known represent only the Recension of the Masorites. Sooner or later some manuscript may be found which will enable scholars to form a critical judgment upon those places where the versions represent a different text. If we could, with the Authorised Version, translate "Cain talked with Abel," this would imply that Cain triumphed for a time over his angry feelings, and resumed friendly intercourse with his brother. But such a rendering is impossible, as also is one that has been suggested, "Cain told it unto Abel his brother" that is, told all that had passed between him and Jehovah. Either, therefore, we must accept the addition of the versions, or regard the passage as at present beyond our powers.It came to pass, when they were in the field.--The open, uncultivated land, where Abel's flocks would find pasture. We cannot suppose that this murder was premeditated. Cain did not even know what a human death was. But, as Philippson remarks, there was a perpetual struggle between the husbandmen who cultivated fixed plots of ground and the wandering shepherds whose flocks were too prone to stray upon the tilled fields. Possibly Abel's flocks had trespassed on Cain's land, and when he went to remonstrate, his envy was stirred at the sight of his brother's affluence. A quarrel ensued, and Cain, in that fierce anger, to fits of which he was liable (<a href="/genesis/4-5.htm" title="But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.">Genesis 4:5</a>), tried to enforce his mastery by blows, and before he well knew what he was doing, he had shed his brother's blood, and stood in terror before the first human corpse.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 8. - And Cain talked with (literally, said to) his brother. Διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πεδίον (LXX.); egrediamur foras (Vulgate). The Samaritan and Syriac versions interpolate to the same effect. The Jerusalem Targum explains - "Cainum cure Abele contendisse de vita aetcrna, de extremo judicio, et providentia divina," inserting a long conversation commencing, "Veni, egrediamur ad superficiem agri;" but the obvious supplement is to be found in the subject matter of the previous verse (Hieronynms, Aben Ezra, Gesenius). It is not against this that it argues too much moral goodness in Cain to suppose that he would tell his younger brother of Jehovah's admonition (Knobel); and it certainly relieves us from the necessity of adding to the moral turpitude of the unhappy fratricide by depicting him as deliberately planning his favored brother's murder, carrying the fell purpose within his guilty bosom, watching his opportunity (Bottcher and Knobel, who substitute שָׁמַר he watched, for אָמַר, he said), and at last accomplishing his unhallowed purpose by means of treachery. Beyond all question the historian designs to describe not an act of culpable homicide, but a deed of red-handed murder; yet the impression which his language conveys is that of a crime rather suddenly conceived and hurriedly performed than deliberately planned and treacherously executed. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. <a href="/commentaries/genesis/4-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Then Cain קַ֖יִן (qa·yin) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7014.htm">Strong's 7014: </a> Cain -- a city in southern Judah said וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his brother אָחִ֑יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Abel, [“Let us go out to the field.”] הֶ֣בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> Abel -- the second son of Adam And וַֽיְהִי֙ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be while they were בִּהְיוֹתָ֣ם (bih·yō·w·ṯām) Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be in the field, בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה (baś·śā·ḏeh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7704.htm">Strong's 7704: </a> Field, land Cain קַ֛יִן (qa·yin) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7014.htm">Strong's 7014: </a> Cain -- a city in southern Judah rose up וַיָּ֥קָם (way·yā·qām) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand against אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his brother אָחִ֖יו (’ā·ḥîw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Abel הֶ֥בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> Abel -- the second son of Adam and killed him. וַיַּהַרְגֵֽהוּ׃ (way·ya·har·ḡê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2026.htm">Strong's 2026: </a> To smite with deadly intent <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/genesis/4-8.htm">Genesis 4:8 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">OT Law: Genesis 4:8 Cain said to Abel his brother Let's (Gen. 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