A Doctrine & Theology Feature | The Way Bible Blog
The Firstborn of the Fallen
The tragedy of Cain in Genesis 4:1–16 is the first recorded story of sin’s spread beyond Eden’s gate. It is the story of how the Fall, which began as rebellion against God, quickly became rebellion against one another.
Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, was a product of hope — his name sounds like the Hebrew word for “acquired.” Eve said, “I have acquired a man with the help of the LORD” (Genesis 4:1). But hope soon turned to heartbreak.
“In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD of the fruit of the ground. Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering He had no regard.” — Genesis 4:3–5 (ESV)
The issue was not that Cain brought plants while Abel brought animals; it was a matter of heart and obedience. Abel’s sacrifice was called “the firstborn and their fat portions” — the best. Cain’s, by contrast, was “some of the fruits,” suggesting token effort.
