Old Testament
The Story of Abel
Also: Habili (Kiswahili)
Son of Adam and Eve, a keeper of sheep whose offering God accepted; killed by his brother Cain.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Abel kept sheep and offered the firstborn of his flock; the LORD respected his offering. His brother Cain killed him in the field. Genesis 4:2–8
Hebrews names Abel first among those who lived by faith. Hebrews 11:4
Told in: Genesis
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Adam and Eve Genesis 4:2
- Work
- Keeper of sheep Genesis 4:2
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Abel
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Offering and death
Abel offers the firstborn of his flock and the LORD respects it. Cain, angry, kills him; Abel's blood cries out from the ground.
More about this event
People: Cain
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Abel. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
- Hebrews 11:4 — By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice.
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- Matthew 23:35 — Jesus speaks of righteous Abel.
- Hebrews 12:24
Family and relationships
- CainBrotherGenesis 4:8
- AdamFatherGenesis 4:2
- EveMotherGenesis 4:2
Books associated with Abel
- Genesis Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
Faith
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