
Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted
Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!
Hebrew Text
וְהֶבֶל הֵבִיא גַם־הוּא מִבְּכֹרוֹת צֹאנוֹ וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן וַיִּשַׁע יְהוָה אֶל־הֶבֶל וְאֶל־מִנְחָתוֹ׃
English Translation
And Hevel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat parts thereof. And the Lord had respect to Hevel and to his offering:
Transliteration
Vehevel hevi gam-hu mibekhorot tsono umechelvehen vayisha Adonay el-Hevel ve'el-minchato.
Hebrew Leining Text
וְהֶ֨בֶל הֵבִ֥יא גַם־ה֛וּא מִבְּכֹר֥וֹת צֹאנ֖וֹ וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן וַיִּ֣שַׁע יְהֹוָ֔ה אֶל־הֶ֖בֶל וְאֶל־מִנְחָתֽוֹ׃
Parasha Commentary
📚 Talmud Citations
This verse is quoted in the Talmud.
📖 Avodah Zarah 8a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the origins of idolatry and the nature of sacrifices.
📖 Sanhedrin 37b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the story of Cain and Abel, focusing on divine justice and human actions.
The Offering of Hevel
The verse describes Hevel (Abel) bringing an offering from the firstborn of his flock and their choicest fats, which found favor in Hashem's eyes. This contrasts with Kayin's (Cain's) offering, which was not accepted. The difference between their offerings holds deep significance in Jewish thought.
Quality of the Offering
Rashi (Bereshit 4:4) explains that Hevel brought "מִבְּכֹרוֹת צֹאנוֹ וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן" ("from the firstlings of his flock and their fats")—the finest and most select portions. This demonstrates his wholehearted dedication to Hashem, giving the very best of what he owned. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 22:5) elaborates that Hevel chose unblemished, superior animals, whereas Kayin brought inferior produce.
Intentions Matter
The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 7:11) teaches that offerings must be given with proper kavanah (intention). Hevel's offering was accepted not merely because it was an animal sacrifice (as opposed to Kayin's plant offering), but because his heart was fully devoted. The Talmud (Menachot 110a) states that whether one brings much or little, what matters is that one directs their heart toward Heaven.
The Significance of "Firstlings"
The fact that Hevel offered "בְּכֹרוֹת" (firstborn animals) is significant. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 4:4) notes that giving the firstborn reflects acknowledgment that everything belongs to Hashem. This aligns with the later mitzvah of sanctifying the firstborn (Shemot 13:2), teaching that one must prioritize holiness in all aspects of life.
Why the Fats Were Special
The "חֶלְבֵהֶן" (fats) were considered the richest and most desirable parts of the animal, often reserved for sacrifices (Vayikra 3:16). The Sforno (Bereshit 4:4) explains that Hevel’s choice to offer the fats demonstrated his willingness to give up what was most precious to him, embodying the principle of "הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא בּוֹרֵא מִן הַמֻּבְחָר" ("The Holy One, blessed be He, creates from the choicest").
Divine Favor
The phrase "וַיִּשַׁע יְהוָה אֶל־הֶבֶל וְאֶל־מִנְחָתוֹ" ("Hashem turned to Hevel and his offering") indicates that both the giver and the gift were pleasing. The Malbim (Bereshit 4:4) emphasizes that Hashem first looked favorably upon Hevel himself—his righteousness and sincerity—before accepting his offering. This teaches that mitzvot must be performed with pure intentions to be truly meritorious.