Cain | Story & Meaning - Encyclopedia Britannica

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External Websites
  • World History Encyclopedia - Cain & Abel
  • Biblical Archaeology Society - Who Was the Wife of Cain?
  • BYU - Religious Studies Center - Cain and Abel (Genesis 4 and Moses 5)
  • Roberts Wesleyan University - Another Look at Cain: From a Narrative Perspective
  • Learn Religion - Who Is Cain in the Bible?
  • Bible Odyssey - Cain
  • JewishEncyclopedia.com - Cain
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“Murder of Abel,” bas-relief panel
“Murder of Abel,” bas-relief panel “Murder of Abel,” bas-relief panel by Jacopo della Quercia, 1425–38, on the porta maggiore of S. Petronio, Bologna, Italy. (more)
Cain biblical figure Ask Anything Homework Help Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Feb. 14, 2026 •History Britannica AI Icon Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything

Cain, in the Bible (Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament), firstborn son of Adam and Eve who murdered his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1–16). Cain, a farmer, became enraged when the Lord accepted the offering of his brother, a shepherd, in preference to his own. He murdered Abel and was banished by the Lord from the settled country. Cain feared that in his exile he could be killed by anyone, so the Lord gave him a sign for his protection and a promise that if he were killed, he would be avenged sevenfold.

Adriaen de Vries: Cain Killing Abel
Adriaen de Vries: Cain Killing AbelCain Killing Abel, bronze sculpture group by Adriaen de Vries, 1622; in the National Gallery of Denmark.(more)

The biblical story may have intended to explain why a certain tribe, called Cain, had a special tattoo mark and why this tribe always severely avenged any murdered member. The story also may explain why that tribe lived the nomadic rather than the settled life. Some biblical critics believe the tribe of Cain was the Kenites.

Quick Facts Notable Family Members: brother Abel (Show more) On the Web: BYU - Religious Studies Center - Cain and Abel (Genesis 4 and Moses 5) (Feb. 14, 2026) (Show more) See all related content

According to Irenaeus and other early Christian writers, a gnostic sect called Cainites existed in the 2nd century ce.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.

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