Cain
Cain in the Bible — first son of Adam (GEN 4:1), cursed from the ground (GEN 4:11). Referenced in 6 scripture passages.
Name meaning: “possession, or possessed”
Profile
- Gender
- male
- Scripture References
- 6 references
- Known Names
- 1 name
- Relationships
- 5 connections
Biography
Cain is the first son of Adam and Eve, notable for being cursed by God to suffer from the ground as a consequence of his actions. He is a male figure in the early Genesis narrative who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding story of sin and its consequences.
Names & Titles
The name Cain means 'brought forth' or 'acquired,' reflecting his status as the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. This proper name is not given by God but is recorded in Genesis 4:1, indicating his significance as the first child born into the human family.
Family
Cain is the son of Adam and Eve and the brother of Abel. He is also the father of Enoch. These relationships are explicitly or implicitly noted in Genesis and highlight his place within the earliest human family.
Significance
Cain's story marks the first recorded instance of murder in Scripture, illustrating the deepening effects of sin following the Fall. His jealousy toward his brother Abel and the subsequent act of violence demonstrate humanity's capacity for rebellion against God. God's curse upon Cain and his resulting life as a wanderer underscore the seriousness of sin and its consequences, while also showing God's justice and mercy through the protective mark placed upon him.
Key Events
Names & Labels (1)
- Hebrew
- קַיִן
- Transliteration
- qayin
- Meaning
- brought forth, acquired
- Greek
- Κάϊν
- Reference
- GEN 4:1
- Strong's
- H7014
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cain in the Bible?
Cain is the first son of Adam and Eve, notable for being cursed by God to suffer from the ground as a consequence of his actions. He is a male figure in the early Genesis narrative who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding story of sin and its consequences.
What does the name Cain mean?
The name Cain means “possession, or possessed” according to Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary.