Abel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Abel
Icon of Abel by Theophanes the Greek
Parent(s)	Adam and Eve
Relatives	In Genesis: Cain (sibling) Seth (sibling) According to later traditions: Aclima (sibling) Awan (sibling) Azura (sibling)

Abel is a well-known figure from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. He was the second son of Adam and Eve, making him the younger brother of Cain. The story of Abel and Cain is one of the earliest and most famous tales in the Bible, teaching important lessons about jealousy, sacrifice, and consequences.

The Story of Abel

The story of Abel and Cain begins after Adam and Eve were sent out of the Garden of Eden. Their two sons, Cain and Abel, grew up to have very different jobs.

Two Brothers, Different Jobs

Abel chose to be a shepherd. This meant he took care of sheep and goats. He spent his days guiding his flocks to good pastures and protecting them. His older brother, Cain, became a farmer. Cain worked hard to grow crops from the land, planting seeds and harvesting food.

Their Offerings to God

Both brothers decided to bring an offering to God. Cain brought some of the crops he had grown from his farm. Abel, on the other hand, brought some of the firstborn animals from his flock, choosing the best and fattest ones.

God looked favorably on Abel's offering. However, God did not look favorably on Cain's offering. This made Cain very angry and upset. He felt jealous that God had preferred Abel's gift over his own.

The Tragic Outcome

Cain's jealousy grew stronger. One day, when they were out in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. This was the first murder described in the Bible.

After Abel's death, God asked Cain where his brother was. Cain famously replied, "Am I my brother's keeper?" God knew what Cain had done and punished him for his actions.

Lessons from Abel's Story

The story of Abel and Cain teaches us several important lessons:

• The importance of a good heart: God valued the sincerity and quality of Abel's offering, not just the offering itself.
• Dealing with jealousy: Cain's jealousy led him to do something terrible. The story shows how negative feelings can have serious consequences if not managed.
• Consequences of actions: Cain faced punishment for killing his brother, showing that our actions have consequences.

Abel's story is remembered as a powerful example of faith and the dangers of envy.

See also

In Spanish: Abel para niños