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Genesis 4:2 - Sibling rivalry begins

Genesis 4:2 - בראשית 4:2

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּסֶף לָלֶדֶת אֶת־אָחִיו אֶת־הָבֶל וַיְהִי־הֶבֶל רֹעֵה צֹאן וְקַיִן הָיָה עֹבֵד אֲדָמָה׃

English Translation

And she again bore, his brother Hevel. And Hevel was a keeper of sheep, but Qayin was a tiller of the ground.

Transliteration

Vatosef laledet et achiv et Havel vayehi Hevel ro'eh tzon veKayin haya oved adamah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֣סֶף לָלֶ֔דֶת אֶת־אָחִ֖יו אֶת־הָ֑בֶל וַֽיְהִי־הֶ֙בֶל֙ רֹ֣עֵה צֹ֔אן וְקַ֕יִן הָיָ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ד אֲדָמָֽה׃
וַתֹּ֣סֶף לָלֶ֔דֶת אֶת־אָחִ֖יו אֶת־הָ֑בֶל וַֽיְהִי־הֶ֙בֶל֙ רֹ֣עֵה צֹ֔אן וְקַ֕יִן הָיָ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ד אֲדָמָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Introduction to the Verse

The verse describes the birth of Hevel (Abel) and the occupations of Hevel and Qayin (Cain). This narrative appears in Bereishit (Genesis) 4:2 and sets the stage for the subsequent events involving their offerings and Qayin's murder of Hevel.

Occupations of Qayin and Hevel

Rashi (Bereishit 4:2) explains that their occupations reflect their differing natures and roles in the world:

  • Qayin as a tiller of the ground: His work was tied to the earth, symbolizing a materialistic and physical focus. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 22:3) suggests that Qayin's choice of farming may indicate a preoccupation with earthly possessions and self-sufficiency.
  • Hevel as a shepherd: Shepherding represents a more spiritual and nurturing role. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that shepherds often live a life of simplicity and trust in Hashem, as they rely on grazing lands rather than cultivated fields.

Symbolism in Their Roles

The Kli Yakar (R' Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz) highlights a deeper contrast:

  • Qayin's work with the ground connects him to the curse of Adam ("By the sweat of your brow you shall eat bread," Bereishit 3:19), emphasizing struggle and human effort.
  • Hevel's shepherding reflects a more elevated, peaceful existence, aligning with the ideal of trusting in Divine providence.

Brotherhood and Conflict

The verse emphasizes that Hevel is Qayin's brother, setting up the tragic dynamic between them. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 22:7) teaches that their differing livelihoods contributed to their conflict, as Qayin resented Hevel's spiritual superiority.

Lessons from the Verse

The Malbim (R' Meir Leibush Weiser) explains that this verse foreshadows the moral and spiritual divide between the two brothers:

  • Qayin represents the pursuit of material gain, which can lead to jealousy and violence when unchecked.
  • Hevel embodies devotion and humility, traits that ultimately make his offering more favorable in Hashem's eyes (Bereishit 4:4-5).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 37b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the occupations of Cain and Abel, illustrating the different paths they took in life.
📖 Avodah Zarah 22b
Mentioned in a broader discussion about the nature of human labor and divine providence, referencing the different occupations of Cain and Abel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 4:2 teach us about the roles of Kayin and Hevel?
A: Genesis 4:2 describes Kayin (Cain) as a tiller of the ground and Hevel (Abel) as a keeper of sheep. According to Rashi, this shows their different occupations—Kayin worked the land, while Hevel tended flocks. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) notes that their choices reflect their natures, with Hevel's role symbolizing gentleness and Kayin's representing physical labor.
Q: Why is it significant that Hevel was a shepherd and Kayin a farmer?
A: The distinction between Hevel as a shepherd and Kayin as a farmer is important because it sets the stage for their later conflict (Genesis 4:3-8). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b) suggests that their differing livelihoods influenced their offerings to Hashem—Hevel gave the best of his flock, while Kayin's offering from the ground was less sincere. This teaches the importance of intent in serving Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from Hevel being called a 'keeper of sheep' in Genesis 4:2?
A: Hevel being called a 'keeper of sheep' (רֹעֵה צֹאן) highlights his role as a caretaker, which the Midrash connects to his righteous character. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os) teaches that shepherding requires patience and kindness, traits that reflect Hevel's goodness. This contrasts with Kayin, whose work was more solitary and self-focused.
Q: Does Genesis 4:2 imply that one occupation is better than the other?
A: No, Genesis 4:2 does not inherently favor one occupation over the other. Both farming and shepherding are valid ways of earning a living. The issue was not their jobs but their attitudes—Hevel approached his work with devotion to Hashem, while Kayin's actions later showed jealousy and anger (as explained in Rashi on Genesis 4:3-5). The verse teaches that how we serve Hashem matters more than what we do.
Q: How does the description of Kayin and Hevel in Genesis 4:2 apply to us today?
A: The verse reminds us that our professions do not define our righteousness—our intentions and actions do. Just as Kayin and Hevel had different roles, people today have various jobs, but what matters is whether we use them to serve Hashem with sincerity. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 19b) teaches that even mundane work can be elevated when done with proper devotion.