Bible Characters Profile

Cain

  In spite of parents' efforts and worries, conflicts between children in a family seem inevitable. Sibling relationships allow both competition and cooperation. In most cases, the mixture of loving and fighting eventually creates a strong bond between brothers and sisters. It isn't unusual, though, to hear parents say, "They fight so much I hope they don't kill each other before they grow up." In Cain's case, the troubling potential became a reality. And while we don't know many details of this first child's life, his story can still teach us.

    Cain got angry. Furious. Both he and his brother Abel had given offerings to God, and his had been rejected. Cain's reaction gives us a clue that his attitude was probably wrong from the start. Cain had a choice to make. He could correct his attitude about his offering to God, or he could take his anger out on his brother. His decision is a clear reminder of how often we are aware of opposite choices, yet choose the wrong one just as Cain did. We may not be choosing to murder, but we are still intentionally choosing what we shouldn't.

     The feelings motivating our behavior can't always be changed by simple thought-power. But here we can begin to experience God's willingness to help. Asking for his help to do what is right can prevent us from setting into motion actions that we will later regret.

Strength and accomplishments
• First human child
• First to follow in father's profession, farming

Weaknesses and mistakes
• When disappointed, reacted in anger
• Took the negative option even when a positive possibility was offered
• Was the first murderer

Lessons from his life
• Anger is not necessarily a sin, but actions motivated by anger can be sinful. Anger should be the energy behind good action, not evil action
• What we offer to God must be from the heart- the best we are and have
• The consequences of sin may last a lifetime

Vital Statistics
• Where: Near Eden, which was probably located in present-day Iraq or Iran
• Occupation: Farmer, then wanderer
• Relatives: Parents: Adam and Eve Brothers: Abel, Seth, and others not mentioned by name.

Key Verse

Genesis 4:7
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

  Cain's story is told in Genesis 4:1-17. He is also mentioned in Hebrews 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Jude 1:11.