"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."
Biblical Name · Hebrew Origin
Abel Meaning in the Bible
Abel
boy
Abel means "Breath; Vapor; Son", a boy's name of Hebrew origin. Abel appears in the King James Bible, and Genesis 4:4 is the passage most often tied to it. Abel's life was brief as breath but his faith echoes eternally — offering God our best from a sincere heart is worship that never dies.
Is Abel in the Bible?
Yes — Abel appears in the King James Bible, including Genesis 4:4.
Pronunciation:/AY-bel/
OriginHebrew
MeaningBreath; Vapor; Son
What does Abel mean?
Abel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Breath; Vapor; Son". Abel was Adam and Eve's second son — the first righteous man, the first shepherd, and tragically the first murder victim. His offering of the firstlings of his flock pleased God because it was given from a heart of true worship.
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What does Abel mean in the Bible?
Abel means "Breath; Vapor; Son" and is a name of Hebrew origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Where does Abel appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Abel is connected to 2 key passages in the King James Bible, beginning with Genesis 4:4. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous."
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Which books of the Bible mention Abel?
Abel is mentioned across 3 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Abel?
Abel's life was brief as breath but his faith echoes eternally — offering God our best from a sincere heart is worship that never dies.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Abel:
God Promises to Be Faithful
Bible promises about God's unwavering faithfulness in every situation.
God Promises Contentment Through Him
Bible promises about finding true satisfaction and contentment in God.
God Promises to Answer Prayer
Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people.
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Word Meaning
Song (שִׁיר (shir))
A musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
Strong's
Strong's H7892 — Song
שִׁיר (shir) • A musical expression of worship, joy, lament, or testimony — the voice of the soul.
What names are related to Abel?
Names like Abel
Other Hebrew biblical names that share the spirit of "Breath; Vapor; Son" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Heman
"Faithful; Trustworthy"
boy
Gideon
"Mighty warrior; Great destroyer; Feller of trees"
boy
Gideon
"Hewer; Mighty warrior; Destroyer"
boy
Gideon
"Mighty warrior; Hewer"
boy
Gideon
"Mighty warrior; Hewer; Great destroyer"
boy
Gideon
"Mighty warrior; Hewer; Feller of trees"
boy
Judah
"Praise; Praised"
boy
Liora
"My light; Light for me"
girl
Names that pair well with Abel
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Abel
Download a printable name card with the KJV verse and meaning — perfect for Pinterest, Instagram, or a baptism keepsake.
Abel name meaning: frequently asked questions
Common questions about the name Abel
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Abel?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Abel?
You can read every verse where Abel appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.