Abel
maleAntediluvianMeaning: “Breath; vapor”
The second son of Adam and Eve, a keeper of sheep whose offering pleased God. He was murdered by his brother Cain and is honored as the first martyr.
Biography
Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, lived only briefly, yet "he being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11:4). He is Scripture's first worshiper commended for faith and its first martyr.
A more excellent sacrifice
Abel was "a keeper of sheep" (Genesis 4:2). He brought to God "the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof," and the LORD accepted his offering (Genesis 4:4). Hebrews 11:4 locates the difference not merely in the gift but in the heart: Abel offered "by faith," and through it "he obtained witness that he was righteous."
The first martyr
Abel's acceptance provoked Cain's jealousy, and Cain killed him in the field (Genesis 4:8). Jesus calls him "righteous Abel" and counts his blood as the first of the martyrs (Matthew 23:35). Whereas Abel's blood cried from the ground for justice (Genesis 4:10), the blood of Jesus "speaketh better things than that of Abel" (Hebrews 12:24) — crying not for vengeance but for mercy.
Life Timeline
Born to Adam and Eve; becomes a keeper of sheep
Offers an acceptable sacrifice by faith
Murdered by his brother Cain — the first martyr
On the Bible timeline
Abel belongs to the Creation & the Early World era (Beginning – c. 2100 BC).
- c. 2400 BC (traditional)The Flood
- c. 2200 BCThe Tower of Babel
Family Tree
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Themes & lessons from Abel
Biblical themes that run through the passages where Abel appears.
People they appear with
Scripture Appearances
7 verses in 3 booksGenesis4 verses
Genesis 4:2
And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Abel: Heb. Hebel a keeper: Heb. a feeder
Genesis 4:4
And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: flock: Heb. sheep, or, goats
Genesis 4:8
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.
Genesis 4:10
And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. blood: Heb. bloods
Matthew1 verse
Matthew 23:35
That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
Hebrews2 verses
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. yet: or, is yet spoken of
Hebrews 12:24
And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. covenant: or, testament
Frequently asked about Abel
Who was Abel in the Bible?
The second son of Adam and Eve, a keeper of sheep whose offering pleased God. He was murdered by his brother Cain and is honored as the first martyr.
What does the name Abel mean?
The name Abel means “Breath; vapor”.
What did Abel do in the Bible?
Abel served as shepherd, of the tribe of None (pre-Israel).
Who were Abel's parents?
Abel was the child of Adam, Eve.
Where does Abel appear in the Bible?
Abel is mentioned 7 times across 3 books: Genesis, Matthew, Hebrews.
What can we learn from Abel?
The story of Abel touches on themes of murder, types of christ, antediluvians, martyrdom — explore each to study the lessons drawn from Abel's life.
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