Genesis 4 presents a dramatic account of the first siblings, Cain and Abel, and the consequences of sin and disobedience. As both brothers bring offerings to God, Abel’s is accepted, but Cain’s is not—leading to the first recorded murder in human history. This chapter reveals God’s justice in punishing sin while also displaying His mercy in protecting Cain despite his wrongdoing. It highlights the importance of true worship, the dangers of jealousy, and the effects of sin. As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded that God desires a sincere heart and righteous living over mere ritua
Genesis 4 Overview
- Cain and Abel’s Offerings to God (Genesis 4:1-5)
- God’s Warning to Cain (Genesis 4:6-7)
- Cain Kills Abel (Genesis 4:8-10)
- God’s Judgment and Cain’s Punishment (Genesis 4:11-16)
- The Line of Cain and Early Civilization (Genesis 4:17-24)
- Seth’s Birth and the Continuation of Righteous Worship (Genesis 4:25-26)
Cain and Abel
1 The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with Yahweh’s help.” 2 Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.
3 As time passed, Cain brought an offering to Yahweh from the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, 5 but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. 6 Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? 7 If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
8 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.
9 Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”
He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”
10 Yahweh said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won’t yield its strength to you. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth.”
13 Cain said to Yahweh, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, you have driven me out this day from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth. Whoever finds me will kill me.”
15 Yahweh said to him, “Therefore whoever slays Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” Yahweh appointed a sign for Cain, so that anyone finding him would not strike him.
The Descendants of Cain
16 Cain left Yahweh’s presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden. 17 Cain knew his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. He built a city, and named the city after his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.
19 Lamech took two wives: the name of the first one was Adah, and the name of the second one was Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal, who was the father of all who handle the harp and pipe. 22 Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Cain, the forger of every cutting instrument of bronze and iron. Tubal Cain’s sister was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice. You wives of Lamech, listen to my speech, for I have slain a man for wounding me, a young man for bruising me. 24 If Cain will be avenged seven times, truly Lamech seventy-seven times.”
The Birth of Seth
25 Adam knew his wife again. She gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, saying, “For God has given me another child instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 A son was also born to Seth, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on Yahweh’s name.
Sermon Themes
Genesis 4 teaches us about the importance of a sincere heart in worship, the destructive power of jealousy, and God’s mercy even in judgment. It challenges us to guard our hearts against sin and respond to God with obedience.
- The Tragedy of Worship Without Righteousness – Cain’s offering was rejected, revealing that God desires not just sacrifice but a heart of faith (Genesis 4:3-5).
- Sin Crouching at the Door – Temptation waits to control us, but we must rule over it through obedience to God (Genesis 4:7).
- The First Murder and Its Consequences – Cain’s jealousy led to Abel’s death, warning us of unchecked anger and sin’s destructive path (Genesis 4:8-10).
- A Civilization Built Without God – Cain’s descendants pursued culture, industry, and achievement, but without righteousness (Genesis 4:17-22).
- The Growth of Sinful Pride – Lamech’s boast of vengeance reveals how sin escalates without repentance (Genesis 4:23-24).
- Calling on the Name of the Lord – True restoration begins when people seek God in faith (Genesis 4:26).
- Heart Before Offering – God values the sincerity of our worship more than the gift itself (Genesis 4:3-5).
- Master Sin Before It Masters You – Temptation is always present, but we have the choice to overcome it (Genesis 4:7).
- Unchecked Anger Destroys – Bitterness and envy, if left unaddressed, lead to sin and destruction (Genesis 4:8-9).
- Earthly Success Without God Is Empty – Achievements are meaningless if disconnected from righteousness (Genesis 4:17-22).
- Sin Grows When Unchecked – What starts small can escalate into greater wickedness (Genesis 4:23-24).
- God’s Plan Cannot Be Stopped – Despite human failure, He provides a way of redemption (Genesis 4:25).
▷ Scripture quotation taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.
