Lexical Summary Kain: Cain Original Word: Καϊν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cain. Of Hebrew origin (Qayin); Cain, (i.e. Cajin), the son of Adam -- Cain. see HEBREW Qayin NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Qayin Definition Cain, a son of Adam NASB Translation Cain (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2535: ΚάϊνΚάϊν (WH Κάϊν (cf. Ἰ´, ἰ at the end)), ὁ, indeclinable (in Josephus with a Greek ending, Καις, Καιτος; Hebrew קַיִן i. e. a spear, although the author of Genesis, Topical Lexicon Identity and SettingKain (Cain) is the first child born to the human race (Genesis 4:1), the elder brother of Abel, and a tiller of the ground. His name is preserved in the Greek New Testament as Καίν (Strong’s 2535). Early Worship and Sacrifice Cain and Abel present Scripture’s earliest record of formal offerings (Genesis 4:3–4). Abel’s blood sacrifice was accepted, Cain’s produce offering was rejected. The text links acceptance to the heart of the worshiper rather than to the material of the sacrifice alone (cf. Hebrews 11:4). Thus Cain becomes the archetype of worship without faith, illustrating that outward form cannot substitute for inward trust and obedience. Sin, Jealousy, and Fratricide When Cain’s countenance fell, the LORD warned, “Sin is crouching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it” (Genesis 4:7). Cain rejected the admonition, murdered Abel, and then denied responsibility: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). His act reveals the rapid spread of depravity after the Fall, showing how envy can mature into violence once sin is tolerated. Divine Judgment and Mercy Cain is cursed from the ground, becomes a restless wanderer, and settles “east of Eden” in the land of Nod (Genesis 4:11–16). Yet the LORD places a mark of protection on him, demonstrating both justice and mercy. Cain’s line later develops city life, arts, and technology (Genesis 4:17–22), underscoring that cultural advance can coexist with spiritual alienation. New Testament Usage of Kain (Strong’s 2535) 1. Hebrews 11:4 contrasts the brothers: “By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did…”. Cain embodies religion devoid of faith; Abel, faith that gains divine approval. Doctrinal Themes • Faith versus works: Cain’s offering arises from human effort, Abel’s from faith, prefiguring the contrast between self-righteousness and justification by faith. Christological Contrast Hebrews 12:24 sets “the sprinkled blood” of Christ against Abel’s. Abel’s blood cries for justice; Christ’s blood secures mercy. Thus the tragedy of Cain foreshadows the triumph of the cross, where divine justice and grace meet perfectly. Practical Ministry Applications • Examine worship motives: outward gifts cannot mask unbelief. Jewish and Early Christian Reflection Second-Temple literature (e.g., Wisdom of Solomon 10:3) and early church fathers (e.g., Clement of Rome, Tertullian) consistently used Cain as a negative paradigm. His figure reinforced the call to brotherly love and highlighted the peril of jealousy within the covenant community. Summary Kain stands as Scripture’s first example of worship divorced from faith, a warning against envy, violence, and self-righteous religion. The New Testament employs his name to expose false teachers and unloving behavior, directing believers instead to the faith of Abel and, ultimately, to the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ that overcomes the legacy of Cain. Forms and Transliterations Καιν Καὶν Κάϊν Kain KaìnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 11:4 NGRK: Ἅβελ παρὰ Καὶν προσήνεγκεν τῷ NAS: sacrifice than Cain, through which KJV: sacrifice than Cain, by which INT: Abel than Cain offered 1 John 3:12 N Jude 1:11 N |
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