Cain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cain
Detail from Cain and Abel by Andrei Mironov, 2015
Born	64-70 AM
Died	930 AM (aged 860-866)
Spouse(s)	Aclima
Children	Enoch
Parents	Adam (father) Eve (mother)
Relatives	In Genesis: Abel (sibling) Seth (sibling) Irad (grandson) Mehujael (great-grandson) Methushael (great-great-grandson) Lamech (great-great-great-grandson) Jabal (great-great-great-great-grandson) Tubal-Cain (great-great-great-great-grandson) Naamah (great-great-great-great-granddaughter) According to later traditions: Aclima (sibling) Azura (sibling)

Cain slaying Abel by Peter Paul Rubens, around 1600

Cain is an important person mentioned in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. He is known as the older brother of Abel. Cain was also the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who are believed to be the first humans.

Cain worked as a farmer. One day, he brought some of his crops as a gift to God. His brother Abel, who was a shepherd, also brought a gift: some of the best animals from his flock. God was pleased with Abel's gift but not with Cain's. Because of this, Cain became very jealous and angry. Sadly, his anger led him to kill his brother Abel. As a punishment, God placed a special mark on Cain and sent him away. Cain later had many descendants, including his son Enoch and a later relative named Lamech.

Why Did Cain Act That Way?

Cain by Edwin Roscoe Mullins, around 1899. This sculpture shows Cain after his punishment.

The Bible does not give a very detailed reason for why Cain killed Abel. However, most people who study the Bible believe that Cain's actions came from strong feelings of jealousy and anger. He was upset because God accepted Abel's gift but did not accept his own. This feeling of being rejected, combined with seeing his brother favored, made Cain act in a terrible way.

See also

• Caín para niños (Cain for kids in Spanish)