Old Testament
The Story of Cain
Also: Kaini (Kiswahili)
Firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who killed his brother Abel.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Cain, a farmer, became angry when God did not regard his offering as he did Abel's. He killed Abel and was sent away as a wanderer, with a mark from the LORD so that no one would kill him. Genesis 4:2–16
Told in: Genesis
Life at a glance
- Parents
- Adam and Eve Genesis 4:1
- Work
- Worked the ground Genesis 4:2
- Son
- Enoch, after whom he named a city Genesis 4:17
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Cain
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Cain kills Abel
The LORD warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door; Cain kills Abel in the field, denies knowing where he is, and is sent away east of Eden.
Mentioned across the Bible
Later passages that recall, mention or interpret Cain. These are not new events in the person’s lifetime.
Later recollection
Teaching or quotation mentioning them
- 1 John 3:12 — Do not be like Cain, who was of the evil one.
- Jude 11 — They have gone in the way of Cain.
Family and relationships
- AbelBrother, whom he killedGenesis 4:8
- AdamFatherGenesis 4:1
- EveMotherGenesis 4:1
Books associated with Cain
- Genesis Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
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