When did Cain kill Abel?
Cain murders his brother Abel — the first death in Scripture.
Cain & Abel took place Early Genesis at East of Eden, during the Creation & Primeval period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Genesis 4:8 (KJV). Cain murders his brother Abel — the first death in Scripture.
"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him." — Genesis 4:8 (KJV)
Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, offered the fruit of the ground; Abel offered the firstborn of his flock. The LORD respected Abel's offering but not Cain's, and in jealousy Cain rose up and slew his brother in the field.
Early Genesis
East of Eden
Key KJV Scriptures
"And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him."
"And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground."
Why It Matters
Cain's sin shows how quickly the fall multiplied into murder, and Abel's accepted sacrifice foreshadows the blood of Christ that 'speaketh better things than that of Abel' (Hebrews 12:24).
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God accept Abel's offering?
Hebrews 11:4 says Abel offered 'by faith,' bringing the firstborn of his flock, while Cain brought what was convenient. God looks on the heart and the obedience behind the gift.
When did cain & abel happen?
Cain & Abel is dated Early Genesis, placing it in the Creation & Primeval era of biblical history. See Genesis 4:8 (KJV).
Where did cain & abel take place?
Scripture places cain & abel at East of Eden.
Who was involved in cain & abel?
The key figures are Cain, Abel, Adam, Eve.
Where is cain & abel in the Bible?
You can read about it in Genesis 4:8, Genesis 4:10 (King James Version).
Why does cain & abel matter?
Cain's sin shows how quickly the fall multiplied into murder, and Abel's accepted sacrifice foreshadows the blood of Christ that 'speaketh better things than that of Abel' (Hebrews 12:24).
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Cain and Abel
Genesis 4:1–16 • sin
Cain and Abel Bible Quiz
The first brothers — and the first murder recorded in Scripture.
The Creation
Genesis 1–2 • Origins and Purpose
Cain in the Bible
The First Murderer
Abel in the Bible
The First Martyr of Faith
Adam Quiz
The first man — formed from the dust and placed in Eden.