Genesis 4

The story of Genesis now turns to life outside the garden. We see the first man and woman become the first family, and we see the further affects of sin upon our relationships.

1. Once again, we have no indication of how much time has passed. In verse 1, we learn that Adam slept with his wife. Other versions read lay or knew her. From this we can see that God intended sex to be part of marriage. Do you agree with this interpretation? Please explain.

2. The Bible tells us that after Eve gave birth to Cain, she gave thanks to God saying that she gave birth with God’s help. What does this mean to you?

Who was Adam and Eve’s second son?

According to verse 2 what was different about the two brothers?

3. Verse 3 tells us that in the course of time, Cain and Abel brought offerings to the LORD. What does “in the course of time” mean to you?

Why do you believe the brothers brought an offering?

Should we still be bringing offerings to the LORD? Please explain.

4. What did Cain bring to the LORD?

What did Abel bring?

How did God respond to Cain’s offering?

To Abel’s offering?

5. What was Cain’ reaction to God’s response?

The Bible tells us that as a result, Cain’s countenance fell. What does this mean to you?

What is so wrong with Cain’s becoming very angry with the Lord?

6. Verse 6 records God’s words to Cain. What does God ask Cain?

If God knows all things, why do you believe God asks Cain this question?

What does God advise Cain to do?

What does it mean to you that sin is crouching at the door?

How can doing what is right close the door to sin?

What do you believe is the “right” that Cain is to do?

7. What does verse 7 reveal about the nature of sin?

How are we to react to sin?

Once again we see the destructive nature of sin. It destroys relationships, with God and with those we love. Do you agree with this statement? Please explain.

8. Read verses 7 & 8. What do you believe Cain chose to do or not to do?

Why do you think Cain asked Abel to go to the field with him?

Here we read of the first sibling rivalry, the first act of violence, and the first murder. Why do you think Cain killed his brother?

9. Now we read of another exchange between God and Cain. Again, God asks Cain questions. Once again, why does God ask Cain where Abel is?

What is Cain’s response?

What does it mean to be your brother’s keeper?

How did God “know” that Cain had killed Abel?

What does it mean to you that Abel’s blood cried out to the LORD?

10. What was Cain’s punishment?

According to Cain’s words, what was the worst part of this punishment?

Of what was Cain afraid?

What does God decide to do to ease Cain’s fear?

Why do you believe God did not take Cain’s life?

11. Where did Cain go to live?

What does the name mean?

12. After reading what Cain said to God, do you think Cain “learned his lesson” and changed? Please explain.

13. What was the name of Cain’s first born son?

What can you learn about his son?

14. Verses 17-22 talk about the genealogy of Cain. Why do you think the LORD put this in the Bible?

Did anything in the genealogy grab your attention?

What does it mean to you that one son was the father of those who raised livestock and another was the father of those who played the flute?

15. What is unusual about Lamech?

16. This is the first instance of polygamy. Some people argue God is not against polygamy because we do not read that God showed any disapproval. However, what does God’s word say about marriage? (See Genesis 2:24)

What does Jesus teach about marriage? (See Matthew 19:3-6.)

17. What exactly did Lamech tell his wives?

What do you think he means when he said if Cain would be avenged seven times, then he would be avenged seventy-seven times?

18. Adam and Eve have another son. What was his name?

The last part of verse 26 tells us that at that time, men began to call upon the name of the LORD. What does this mean to you?

What is the significance of the chapter ending with this statement considering we have read about the first murder?