Who was Cain?
Quick answer
Cain was the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, a farmer who murdered his brother Abel out of jealousy when God accepted Abel’s offering over his own. He became the Bible’s first portrait of sin’s deadly progression.
God warned Cain that "sin is crouching at the door… but you must rule over it" (Genesis 4:7). Cain did not, and killed his brother.
His story shows how unchecked anger and envy lead to violence — and how God still pursues even the murderer with a question, "Where is your brother?"
The New Testament uses Cain as a warning (1 John 3:12; Jude 11). His way is the way of resentment; the better way is Abel’s faith (Hebrews 11:4).
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.