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Genesis 4:5 - Why was Cain's offering rejected?

Genesis 4:5 - בראשית 4:5

Hebrew Text

וְאֶל־קַיִן וְאֶל־מִנְחָתוֹ לֹא שָׁעָה וַיִּחַר לְקַיִן מְאֹד וַיִּפְּלוּ פָּנָיו׃

English Translation

but to Qayin and to his offering He had not respect. And Qayin was very angry, and his face fell.

Transliteration

Ve'el-Kayin ve'el-minchato lo sha'a vayichar le'Kayin me'od vayiplu panav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶל־קַ֥יִן וְאֶל־מִנְחָת֖וֹ לֹ֣א שָׁעָ֑ה וַיִּ֤חַר לְקַ֙יִן֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ פָּנָֽיו׃
וְאֶל־קַ֥יִן וְאֶל־מִנְחָת֖וֹ לֹ֣א שָׁעָ֑ה וַיִּ֤חַר לְקַ֙יִן֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ פָּנָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Divine Rejection of Kayin's Offering

Rashi explains that the Torah does not specify why Hashem did not accept Kayin's offering, but the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 22:5) provides insight. Kayin brought an inferior offering from the פֵּרוֹת הָרְעִים (the worst of his produce), while Hevel brought מִבְּכֹרוֹת צֹאנוֹ וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן (the choicest of his flock and their fat). This teaches that one's attitude in bringing korbanot matters greatly—Hashem desires offerings given with generosity and sincerity.

Kayin's Emotional Response

The phrase וַיִּחַר לְקַיִן מְאֹד ("Kayin was very angry") reflects his intense resentment. Ramban notes that Kayin's anger stemmed from jealousy and a sense of injustice, as he believed his offering should have been accepted equally. The Kli Yakar adds that his anger was directed not only at Hevel but also at Hashem, revealing a flawed spiritual perspective.

The Significance of Fallen Countenance

וַיִּפְּלוּ פָּנָיו ("his face fell") symbolizes dejection and shame. The Sforno explains that Kayin's facial expression changed because he realized his offering was rejected due to his own shortcomings. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37b) teaches that facial expressions reflect inner emotions, and Kayin's fallen face indicated his despair and unwillingness to correct his mistake.

Moral Lessons from the Incident

  • Quality of Offerings: The Or HaChaim emphasizes that Hashem values the intent and quality behind mitzvot, not mere ritual compliance.
  • Handling Disappointment: The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 2:3) derives from Kayin's reaction the importance of controlling anger and jealousy, as unchecked emotions lead to sin.
  • Repentance Opportunity: Hashem later speaks to Kayin (Bereshit 4:6-7), offering him a chance to repent, teaching that rejection is not final—teshuvah is always possible.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 61b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and human actions, illustrating how God's rejection of Cain's offering led to his anger and subsequent actions.
📖 Sanhedrin 37b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing human emotions and reactions, particularly focusing on Cain's anger and its consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why didn't Hashem accept Cain's offering?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Cain's offering was of inferior quality (from the worst of his produce), while Abel brought the best of his flock. The verse teaches the importance of giving with sincerity and generosity.
Q: What does it mean that 'Cain's face fell'?
A: The Torah describes Cain's reaction to his rejected offering as 'his face fell,' meaning he became visibly upset and dejected. The Talmud (Berachos 61b) explains this as a sign of anger and disappointment, teaching us to control negative emotions.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Cain's reaction?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 2:3) teaches that Cain's anger was improper. Instead of improving his actions, he became jealous. The verse teaches us to accept reproof and strive for self-improvement rather than resentment.
Q: How does this verse relate to giving offerings today?
A: While we no longer bring animal offerings, the principle applies to prayer and charity. The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that just as Abel gave his best, we must approach mitzvos with sincerity and our finest efforts.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Cain's emotional reaction?
A: The Torah emphasizes Cain's anger to show the destructive power of unchecked emotions. As the Sages say (Pirkei Avos 4:1), 'Who is strong? One who conquers their inclination.' The story warns against letting jealousy control us.