Topical Bible: Jealousy: Cain, of Abel

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Jealousy is a powerful emotion that can lead to destructive actions, as exemplified in the biblical account of Cain and Abel. This narrative, found in the Book of Genesis, serves as a profound illustration of how jealousy can disrupt relationships and lead to sin.

Biblical Account

The account of Cain and Abel is recorded in Genesis 4:1-16. Cain and Abel were the first two sons of Adam and Eve. Cain, the elder, was a farmer, while Abel was a shepherd. In the course of time, both brothers brought offerings to the LORD. Cain offered "some of the fruits of the soil," while Abel brought "the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions" (Genesis 4:3-4).

The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but He did not look with favor on Cain and his offering. This divine preference incited Cain's jealousy and anger. Genesis 4:5 states, "So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell."

The Nature of Jealousy

Jealousy, as demonstrated by Cain, is often rooted in a sense of injustice or perceived inequality. Cain's jealousy stemmed from God's acceptance of Abel's offering over his own. This feeling of being slighted led to a deep-seated resentment and anger towards his brother.

The LORD addressed Cain's emotional state, offering him guidance and a warning. In Genesis 4:6-7 , God said, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it."

Consequences of Jealousy

Despite God's warning, Cain allowed his jealousy to fester, ultimately leading to the first murder recorded in Scripture. Cain lured Abel into the field and killed him (Genesis 4:8). This act of violence was a direct consequence of unchecked jealousy and anger.

The LORD confronted Cain after the murder, asking, "Where is your brother Abel?" to which Cain famously replied, "I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?" (Genesis 4:9). God then pronounced judgment on Cain, cursing him to be a restless wanderer on the earth (Genesis 4:11-12).

Theological Implications

The account of Cain and Abel highlights the destructive power of jealousy and the importance of mastering one's emotions. It underscores the biblical principle that sin begins in the heart and mind before manifesting in actions. The narrative also emphasizes God's justice and mercy, as He both punishes Cain and provides him with a mark of protection (Genesis 4:15).

In the broader biblical context, the account of Cain and Abel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing jealousy to take root in one's heart. It calls believers to seek righteousness and to trust in God's fairness and provision, rather than succumbing to envy and resentment.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 4:5,6,8
But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Criminal and his Relation to Society.
... This portrait of Cain illustrates the fact that formal religious worship does not
necessarily ... Was the slaying of Abel the result simply of jealousy or a ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study iii the criminal and.htm

The Growth and Power of Sin
... Abel's was sprinkled with some drops of the incense of lowly trust, and ... It begins
with envy and jealousy. Cain was not wroth because his offering was rejected. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the growth and power of.htm

On the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Commandments of the Church
... Abel's sacrifice was pleasing, but Cain's was not ... Because, as we are told, Cain did
not offer to God ... was pleasing to God, being filled with jealousy, he killed ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 36 on the third.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his
brother, and slew him." [18] Ye see, brethren, how envy and jealousy led to ...
/.../chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Many Evils have Already Flowed from this Source in Ancient Times.
... it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his
brother, and slew him." [4016] Ye see, brethren, how envy and jealousy led to ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter iv many evils have already.htm

Treatise x. On Jealousy and Envy.
... hence the abominable fratricides, in that the unrighteous Cain is jealous of the
righteous Abel, in that the wicked persecutes the good with envy and jealousy. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise x on jealousy and.htm

Divine Grace.
... and his brother; Abel had faith, but Cain had none. Abel's faith covered him with
Jesus Christ; therefore he stood ... in the heat and fire of his jealousy, but in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/vi divine grace.htm

Chapter iv
... be pointed out more directly that Cain's sin in reference to his brother was primarily
jealousy culminating in hatred ... 8. And Cain said unto Abel his brother ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

Concerning Sacrifices and Oblations, and those who Truly Offer ...
... at the beginning God had respect to the gifts of Abel, because he ... as outward appearance
went, they had in themselves jealousy like to Cain; therefore they ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii concerning sacrifices and oblations.htm

Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... Cain and Abel, Ishmael and ... It is a miserable story of ignoble jealousy and cruel
hate; and yet, over all this foaming torrent, God's steadfast bow of peace ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/mans passions and gods purpose.htm