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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 4:4 while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/4-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/01_Gen_04_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 4:4 - Cain and Abel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/4-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/4-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/4-3.htm" title="Genesis 4:3">◄</a> Genesis 4:4 <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm" title="Genesis 4:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the LORD respected Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abel, on his part also brought <i>an offering,</i> from the firstborn of his flock and from their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and for his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Abel, on his part, also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And Yahweh had regard for Abel and for his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But Abel brought [an offering of] the [finest] firstborn of his flock and the fat portions. And the LORD had respect (regard) for Abel and for his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And Abel also presented an offering—some of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions. The LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and Abel also gave an offering to the LORD. He killed the first-born lamb from one of his sheep and gave the LORD the best parts of it. The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abel also brought some choice parts of the firstborn animals from his flock. The LORD approved of Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then Abel brought the first lamb born to one of his sheep, killed it, and gave the best parts of it as an offering. The LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />while Abel brought the best parts of some of the firstborn from his flock. The LORD looked favorably upon Abel and his offering, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But Abel brought some of the firstborn of his flock--even the fattest of them. And the LORD was pleased with Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />And Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. And God looked favorably on Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel, and to his offering:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abel, he has brought, he also, from the female firstlings of his flock, and from their fat ones; and YHWH looks to Abel and to his present,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abel, he hath brought, he also, from the female firstlings of his flock, even from their fat ones; and Jehovah looketh unto Abel and unto his present,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought in the first-born of his sheep, and their fat. And Jehovah will look to Abel and to his gift.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Abel also offered of the firstlings of his flock, and of their fat: and the Lord had respect to Abel, and to his offerings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Abel likewise offered from the firstborn of his flock, and from their fat. And the Lord looked with favor on Abel and his gifts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />while Abel, for his part, brought the fatty portion of the firstlings of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abel also brought of the first-born of his flock and of the fatlings thereof. And the LORD was pleased with Abel and with his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Habyl brought also that from the first born of his flocks, and from their fat, and LORD JEHOVAH was pleased with Habyl and his offering.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abel also brought of the first born of his sheep and of his fatlings, and God looked upon Abel and his gifts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/4-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=785" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/4.htm">Cain and Abel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1893.htm" title="1893: wə·he·ḇel (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- The second son of Adam. The same as hebel; Hebel, the son of Adam.">while Abel</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: ḡam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: hê·ḇî (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">brought</a> <a href="/hebrew/2459.htm" title="2459: ū·mê·ḥel·ḇê·hen (Conj-w, Prep-m:: N-mpc:: 3fp) -- Or cheleb; from an unused root meaning to be fat; fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part.">the best portions</a> <a href="/hebrew/1060.htm" title="1060: mib·bə·ḵō·rō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- First-born. From bakar; firstborn; hence, chief.">of the firstborn</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣō·nōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">of his flock.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">And the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/8159.htm" title="8159: way·yi·ša‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to gaze at or about; by implication, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed or bewildered.">looked with favor</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">on</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/413.htm" title="413: wə·’el- (Conj-w:: Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/4503.htm" title="4503: min·ḥā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e. Bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering.">his offering,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-12.htm">1 John 3:12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-35.htm">Matthew 23:35</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-51.htm">Luke 11:51</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Hebrews 12:24</a></span><br />to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jude/1-11.htm">Jude 1:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-17.htm">Numbers 18:17</a></span><br />But you must not redeem the firstborn of an ox, a sheep, or a goat; they are holy. You are to splatter their blood on the altar and burn their fat as a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/3-16.htm">Leviticus 3:16</a></span><br />Then the priest is to burn the food on the altar as a food offering, a pleasing aroma. All the fat is the LORD’s.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Leviticus 9:24</a></span><br />Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell facedown.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-15.htm">1 Samuel 2:15-17</a></span><br />Even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast, because he will not accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.” / And if any man said to him, “The fat must be burned first; then you may take whatever you want,” the servant would reply, “No, you must give it to me right now. If you refuse, I will take it by force!” / Thus the sin of these young men was severe in the sight of the LORD, for they were treating the LORD’s offering with contempt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a></span><br />The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/66-3.htm">Isaiah 66:3</a></span><br />Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-20.htm">Jeremiah 6:20</a></span><br />What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/5-22.htm">Amos 5:22</a></span><br />Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:</p><p class="hdg">the firstlings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12</a></b></br> That thou shalt set apart unto the LORD all that openeth the matrix, and every firstling that cometh of a beast which thou hast; the males <i>shall be</i> the LORD'S.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/18-12.htm">Numbers 18:12,17</a></b></br> All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9</a></b></br> Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:</p><p class="hdg">flock.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/3-16.htm">Leviticus 3:16,17</a></b></br> And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: <i>it is</i> the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat <i>is</i> the LORD'S… </p><p class="hdg">had.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/15-17.htm">Genesis 15:17</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Leviticus 9:24</a></b></br> And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: <i>which</i> when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/16-35.htm">Numbers 16:35</a></b></br> And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Abel's</a> <a href="/luke/15-30.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/revelation/2-6.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/genesis/1-27.htm">Female</a> <a href="/revelation/1-5.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-36.htm">Firstlings</a> <a href="/genesis/4-2.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/john/21-15.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/genesis/3-24.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/revelation/22-19.htm">Part</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-15.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-1.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/genesis/4-3.htm">Present</a> <a href="/revelation/5-4.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/1_john/2-14.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Abel</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Abel's</a> <a href="/genesis/18-7.htm">Fat</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/genesis/5-2.htm">Female</a> <a href="/genesis/10-15.htm">Firstborn</a> <a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Firstlings</a> <a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Offering</a> <a href="/genesis/27-15.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/genesis/10-10.htm">Part</a> <a href="/genesis/28-8.htm">Pleased</a> <a href="/genesis/43-34.htm">Portions</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Present</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/genesis/34-19.htm">Respected</a> <a href="/genesis/6-16.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/genesis/4-23.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-1.htm">The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-8.htm">Cain murders his brother Abel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-11.htm">The curse of Cain.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-17.htm">Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-18.htm">His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-25.htm">The birth of Seth,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/4-26.htm">and Enos.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock.</b><br>Abel's offering is significant because it reflects a heart of worship and reverence towards God. The "best portions" indicate that Abel gave God the choicest parts, demonstrating his faith and devotion. This act of giving the firstborn is a precursor to the later Mosaic Law, where the firstborn of the flock was considered sacred and set apart for God (<a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12</a>). The firstborn also symbolizes the best and the most valuable, showing Abel's willingness to sacrifice what was most precious to him. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who is referred to as the "firstborn over all creation" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>) and the "Lamb of God" (<a href="/john/1-29.htm">John 1:29</a>), representing the ultimate sacrifice.<p><b>And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,</b><br>The Lord's favor on Abel and his offering highlights the importance of the heart's condition in worship. Unlike Cain, whose offering was not accepted, Abel's was received because it was given in faith (<a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</a>). This distinction underscores the biblical principle that God values the attitude and faith behind the offering more than the offering itself. The favor shown by God can be seen as a foreshadowing of the grace that believers receive through faith in Jesus Christ. This passage also sets a precedent for the concept of divine approval based on faith and righteousness, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament teachings on salvation by faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abel.htm">Abel</a></b><br>The second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd who offered a sacrifice to God from the firstborn of his flock.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/cain.htm">Cain</a></b><br>Abel's older brother, a farmer who also made an offering to God, but it was not accepted.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>God, who evaluates the offerings of Cain and Abel, showing favor to Abel's offering.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offering.htm">The Offering</a></b><br>Abel's offering consisted of the best portions of the firstborn of his flock, indicating a sacrifice of quality and priority.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a></b><br>The act of offering sacrifices to God, which leads to God favoring Abel's offering over Cain's.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_worship.htm">The Heart of Worship</a></b><br>Abel's offering was accepted because it was given with a sincere heart and faith. Our worship and offerings to God should come from a place of genuine devotion and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_firstfruits.htm">The Importance of Firstfruits</a></b><br>Abel's choice to offer the firstborn of his flock demonstrates the principle of giving God the first and best of what we have. This principle can be applied to our time, resources, and talents.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_favor_and_righteousness.htm">God's Favor and Righteousness</a></b><br>God's favor is not arbitrary but is based on righteousness and faith. Abel's example teaches us that living righteously and faithfully leads to God's approval.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_jealousy.htm">The Consequences of Jealousy</a></b><br>The account of Cain and Abel warns against the dangers of jealousy and resentment, which can lead to destructive actions and separation from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a></b><br>Abel's faith was demonstrated through his actions. Our faith should be evident in how we live and what we offer to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_need_blood_sacrifices.htm">Why does God require blood sacrifices when He is all-powerful and could forgive without them?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_were_animals_sacrificed.htm">What was the purpose of animal sacrifices?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_cain_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Cain in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_some_christians_see_calvinism_as_heresy.htm">What is the significance of the Way of Cain?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock</span>. Either the firstborn, which God afterwards demanded (<a href="/exodus/13-12.htm">Exodus 13:12</a>), or the choicest and best (<a href="/job/18-13.htm">Job 18:13</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/31-19.htm">Jeremiah 31:19</a>; <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And the fat thereof.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">the fatness of them</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the fattest of the firstlings, "the best he had, and the best of those best" (Inglis; cf. <a href="/genesis/45-18.htm">Genesis 45:18</a>; <a href="/numbers/18-2.htm">Numbers 18:2</a>; Psalm 167:14); a proof that flesh was eaten before the Flood, since "it had been no praise to Abel to offer the fatlings if he used not to eat of them" (Willet), and "si anteposuit Abel utilitate" suae Deum, non dubium quid solitus sit ex labore suo utilitatem percipere" (Justin). <span class="cmt_word">And the Lord had respect.</span> Literally, <span class="accented">looked upon</span>; <span class="greek">ἐπεῖδεν</span>, LXX. (cf. <a href="/numbers/16-15.htm">Numbers 16:15</a>); probably consuming it by fire from heaven, or from the flaming sword (cf. <a href="/leviticus/9-24.htm">Leviticus 9:24</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/21-26.htm">1 Chronicles 21:26</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/7-1.htm">2 Chronicles 7:1</a>; <a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">1 Kings 18:38</a>; Jerome, Chrysostom, Cyril). Theodotion renders <span class="greek">ἐνεπύρισεν</span>, <span class="accented">inflammant</span>; and <a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4</a>, <span class="greek">μαρτυροῦντος</span> <span class="greek">ἐπὶ τοῖς δώροις</span>, <span class="accented">is</span> supposed to lend considerable weight to the opinion. <span class="cmt_word">Unto Abel and his offering.</span> Accepting first his person and then his gift (cf. <a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm">Proverbs 12:2</a>; <a href="/proverbs/15-8.htm">Proverbs 15:8</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/8-12.htm">2 Corinthians 8:12</a>). "The sacrifice was accepted for the man, and not the man for the sacrifice" (Ainsworth); but still "without a doubt the words of Moses imply that the matter of Abel's offering was more excellent and suitable than that of Cain's," and one can hardly entertain a doubt that this was the idea of the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews" (Prof. Lindsay, 'Lectures on Hebrews,' Edin. 1867). Abel's sacrifice was <span class="greek">πλείονα</span>, fuller than Cain's; it had more in it; it had faith, which was wanting in the other. It was also offered in obedience to Divine prescription. The universal prevalence of sacrifice rather points to Divine prescription than to man's invention as its proper source. Had Divine worship been of purely human origin, it is almost certain that greater diversity would have prevailed in its forms. Besides, the fact that the mode of worship was not left to human ingenuity under the law, and that will-worship is specifically condemned under the Christian dispensation (<a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Colossians 2:23</a>), favors the presumption that it was Divinely appointed from the first. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">while Abel</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֶ֨בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(wə·he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abel -- the second son of Adam</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brought</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵבִ֥יא</span> <span class="translit">(hê·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the best portions</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mê·ḥel·ḇê·hen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2459.htm">Strong's 2459: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fat, richest, choice part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the firstborn</span><br /><span class="heb">מִבְּכֹר֥וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bə·ḵō·rō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1062.htm">Strong's 1062: </a> </span><span class="str2">The firstling of man, beast, primogeniture</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his flock.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֹאנ֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣō·nōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looked with favor</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֣שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8159.htm">Strong's 8159: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gaze at, about, to inspect, consider, compassionate, be nonplussed, bewildered</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abel</span><br /><span class="heb">הֶ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(he·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1893.htm">Strong's 1893: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abel -- the second son of Adam</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his offering,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנְחָתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(min·ḥā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4503.htm">Strong's 4503: </a> </span><span class="str2">A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/4-4.htm">Genesis 4:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">OT Law: Genesis 4:4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 4:5" /></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>