Abel

Able is Adam and Eve’s son whose offering was accepted by God, making his brief life a picture of faith, righteousness, and the cost of living rightly in a fallen world.

Male

Old Testament

Primeval (Genesis 1–11)

Beginner

Why Study This Person?

Abel is introduced early in Genesis as the second son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4). His offering to God was accepted, while his brother Cain’s was not, leading to the first recorded act of murder.

Abel’s brief life highlights the difference between genuine faith and outward religion. Hebrews 11:4 later identifies his offering as an act of faith, giving his story lasting significance. Studying Abel supports reflection on worship, righteousness, and the cost of living faithfully in a fallen world.

Trace the Life of

Abel

in Scripture

First Appearance

Genesis 4:2

Key Passage

Genesis 4:3-10

Abel offers a sacrifice pleasing to God, while Cain's offering is rejected. Cain murders Abel in jealousy, making Abel the first victim of human violence recorded in Scripture.

Christ Connection

Abel is the first righteous sufferer in Scripture. His innocent blood, shed by his brother, anticipates the greater innocence and sacrifice of Christ, whose blood speaks a better word.

Final Appearance

Genesis 4:10

Hebrews 11:4; Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51; Hebrews 12:24

Later Scripture remembers Abel as an example of faith and righteousness. Jesus refers to him as the first righteous martyr, and Hebrews contrasts Abel's shed blood with the greater redeeming blood of Christ.

Other Places in Scripture That Mention

Abel

How to Study

This Person

As you read the passages connected to this person, look for patterns in how they respond to God and how their life fits into the larger story of Scripture.