Genesis 4: 1 Commentary

Gensis 4:1 clearly say that Cain was the son of Adam!

By Jayant Christian (wrote 287 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/30/2011 15:22 pm

The idea of Satan seducing eve reminds me of a quote from Mark Twain:

“I was greatly interested in the incident of Eve and the serpent, and thought Eve’s calmness was perfectly noble. I asked my Sunday School teacher if he had ever heard of another woman who, being approached by a serpent, would not excuse herself and break for the nearest timber. He did not answer my question, but rebuked me for inquiring into matters above my age and comprehension.” Cf. Mark Twain’s “Is Shakespeare dead?”

By James Richter (wrote 536 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/28/2011 22:38 pm

Gensis 4:1 reads as follows: ” And Adam knew his wife: and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord.” This verse makes it clear that Cain was the son of Adam. There is no hint about Eve conceiving Cain by the serpent.

In John 3:12, it is said that Cain was of the wicked one.Why is Cain said to be of the wicked one? Beacuse Cain slew his brother. Satan is also slewer of msn! Cain’s works reflects the works of the devil.It doesn’t speak of Cain being born of the devil.

As I understand it, this is the clear meaning in the Bible. Why to pay attention to the scholars?

By Jayant Christian (wrote 287 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/28/2011 16:42 pm

TOPIC: WHO WAS CAIN’S FATHER.

This is an interesting topic. A few years ago while studying 2 Corinthians I ran across a quote from Barclay.

“There was a Jewish legend current in Paul’s time that, in the Garden of Eden, Satan had actually seduced Eve and that Cain was the child of their union. Paul is thinking of that old legend when he fears that the Corinthian Church is being seduced from Christ.” - William Barclays commentary on 2 Cor. 11:1-6.

Wici-Pedia says “In the Greek New Testament, Cain is referred to as εκ του πονηρου.[3] In at least one translation this is rendered “from the evil one”,[4] while others have “of the evil one.”[5] Some interpreters take this to mean that Cain was literally the son of the serpent in the Garden of Eden. A parallel idea can be found in Jewish tradition,[6] that the serpent (Hebrew nahash נחש) from the Garden of Eden was father to firstborn Cain.”

Microsoft encyclopedia says “The story is interpreted by historians and biblical scholars as a symbolic account of an ancient nomadic tribe named Cain; of its distinguishing tattoo mark; and of its reputation for ferocious vengeance against other tribes who slew members of the tribe of Cain.”

This isn’t just me saying this, these are scholars! Genesis is a highly interesting read.

My apologies to Terik Q and his good study. Is there any way my comment can be put below his?

By James Richter (wrote 536 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 1/26/2011 22:17 pm

East of Eden:
Gen 4:1-16
Abel offered sheep while Cain offered fruit. This is similar to what happened with their parents. Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their nakedness, but God later clothed them with animal skin. I find a few points of interest within these verses:
Point 1: God continued to speak to people outside of the garden even though they were in a state of sin. The wages of sin is death which is ultimately separation from God, but He takes the initiative by humbling Himself and offering redemption.
Point 2: When God performed the first sacrifice, He provided an example of what was acceptable. Therefore, both Cain and Able should have known how to give a proper sacrifice.
Point 3: Most scholars agree that people did not eat meat at this point. Therefore, Abel was not sacrificing a potential dinner. The sheep would have been used for it’s wool to make clothing.
Point 4: Since Cain should have known about the earlier animal sacrifice, then he also should have known that his actions would result in Abel’s death.
Point 5: God warns Cain that “sin lieth at the door”. Sin is disobeying God’s commands, but the only commands we’ve read thus far have been regarding multiplying, having dominion, and not eating fruit. There are commands that we shouldn’t have to have in writing because they are written on the heart.
Point 6: Capital Punishment is not yet established.

By Terik Q (wrote 65 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/10/2009 11:16 am