The Story of Cain and Abel

4:1 Now1 the man had marital relations with2 his wife Eve, and she became pregnant3 and gave birth to Cain. Then she said, “I have created4 a man just as the Lord did!”5 4:2 Then she gave birth6 to his brother Abel.7 Abel took care of the flocks, while Cain cultivated the ground.8

4:3 At the designated time9 Cain brought some of the fruit of the ground for an offering10 to the Lord. 4:4 But Abel brought11 some of the firstborn of his flock—even the fattest12 of them. And the Lord was pleased with13 Abel and his offering, 4:5 but with Cain and his offering he was not pleased.14 So Cain became very angry,15 and his expression was downcast.16

4:6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why is your expression downcast? 4:7 Is it not true17 that if you do what is right, you will be fine?18 But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching19 at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it.”20

4:8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”21 While they were in the field, Cain attacked22 his brother23 Abel and killed him.

4:9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”24 And he replied, “I don’t know! Am I my brother’s guardian?”25 4:10 But the Lord said, “What have you done?26 The voice27 of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! 4:11 So now, you are banished28 from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 4:12 When you try to cultivate29 the

ground it will no longer yield30 its best31 for you. You will be a homeless wanderer32 on the earth.” 4:13 Then Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment33 is too great to endure!34 4:14 Look! You are driving me off the land35 today, and I must hide from your presence.36 I will be a homeless wanderer on the earth; whoever finds me will kill me.” 4:15 But the Lord said to him, “All right then,37 if anyone kills Cain, Cain will be avenged seven times as much.”38 Then the Lord put a special mark39 on Cain so that no one who found him would strike him down.40 4:16 So Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and lived in the land of Nod,41 east of Eden.