What does Genesis 4:4 Mean?

Study Notes

Abel
Abel ("exhalation," or, "that which ascends") is a type of the spiritual man. His sacrifice, in which atoning blood was shed Hebrews 9:22 was therefore at once his confession of sin and the expression of his faith in the interposition of a substitute Hebrews 11:4 .

flock

Type of Christ, the Lamb of God, the most constant type of the suffering Messiah--"the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29 .

A lamb fitly symbolizes the unresisting innocency and harmlessness of the Lord Jesus Isaiah 53:7 ; Luke 23:9 ; Matthew 26:53 ; Matthew 26:54 . This type is brought into prominence by contrast with Cain's bloodless offering of the fruit of his own works, and proclaims, in the very infancy of the race, the primal truth that "without shedding of blood is no remission"; Hebrews 9:22 ; Hebrews 11:4 .

flock
Type of Christ, the Lamb of God, the most constant type of the suffering Messiah--"the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29 .

A lamb fitly symbolizes the unresisting innocency and harmlessness of the Lord Jesus Isaiah 53:7 ; Luke 23:9 ; Matthew 26:53 ; Matthew 26:54 . This type is brought into prominence by contrast with Cain's bloodless offering of the fruit of his own works, and proclaims, in the very infancy of the race, the primal truth that "without shedding of blood is no remission"; Hebrews 9:22 ; Hebrews 11:4 .

Context Summary

It was good that man should be driven from Eden. Soft comfort enervates. The natives of the South Sea Islands are moral pulp. Man goes forth from the Eden of innocence, of home, of the land of his birth, to create gardens out of deserts, and to become a pilgrim to the abiding City of God. Angels of Love forbid our return. Heaven lies before us, the City gleams with light on the far horizon. For the Tree of Life see Revelation 2:7. The inner motive of Cain's ruthless deed is supplied in 1 John 3:12. Abel, deeply conscious of sin, felt that a sacrifice was needed; therefore his faith saved him and links him with all who believe. See Hebrews 11:4. Cain had no sense of sin, and thought a gift of produce enough. But all the while sin was crouching at the door, like a hungry tiger, waiting for the chance to enter. Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation! "Thou shouldst rule." [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 4

¹  The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel
⁸  Cain murders his brother Abel
¹¹  The curse of Cain
¹⁷  Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name
¹⁸  His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives
²⁵  The birth of Seth,
²⁶  and Enos