Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Cain mean when he says 'Am I my brother's keeper?'
A: Cain's response 'Am I my brother's keeper?' (Genesis 4:9) shows his attempt to avoid responsibility for his brother Hevel (Abel). According to Rashi, this was a defiant and dishonest answer, since Cain clearly knew what happened to Hevel. The phrase teaches that we are indeed responsible for the wellbeing of others, as later Jewish law emphasizes caring for one's fellow.
Q: Why did Hashem ask Cain 'Where is Hevel your brother?' if He already knew?
A: Hashem asked Cain 'Where is Hevel your brother?' (Genesis 4:9) to give him a chance to confess and repent, as explained by Rambam in Hilchot Teshuvah. This follows a pattern in Tanach where Hashem asks rhetorical questions to prompt self-reflection, like with Adam after eating from the Tree of Knowledge. The question highlights that Cain had a moral duty toward his brother.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Cain's response to Hashem?
A: Cain's response teaches the negative example of denying responsibility for others. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 22:9) contrasts Cain's attitude with later righteous figures like Moshe who cared deeply for their people. Jewish ethics, based on verses like Leviticus 19:16, derive from this story that we must be 'our brother's keeper' by protecting and helping others.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of responsibility in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the foundational Jewish principle of 'areivut' (mutual responsibility). Though Cain rejected it, the Talmud (Shavuot 39a) teaches 'All Jews are responsible for one another.' The Sforno explains that Hashem's question implied Cain should have been his brother's protector, setting a precedent for communal obligation in Jewish law and ethics.
Q: Why does the Torah include Cain's exact words 'Am I my brother's keeper?'
A: The Torah records Cain's exact words to immortalize his moral failure as a warning. As the Ramban explains, the dialogue demonstrates how sin hardens people's hearts - first Cain murders, then lies, then shows no remorse. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37a) later derives from this story that whoever saves one life is as if they saved an entire world, reversing Cain's destructive attitude.
Understanding the Dialogue Between Hashem and Kayin
The verse (Bereishit 4:9) records Hashem's question to Kayin, "Where is Hevel your brother?" and Kayin's evasive response, "I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?" Rashi explains that Hashem, being omniscient, certainly knew where Hevel was. The question was rhetorical—intended to give Kayin an opportunity to confess and repent for his sin of murdering Hevel. Instead, Kayin responds defiantly, denying responsibility for his brother.
Kayin’s Deflection of Responsibility
Kayin’s response, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" reflects his attempt to evade accountability. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 22:9) elaborates that Kayin’s words reveal his hardened heart—he not only denies knowledge of Hevel’s fate but also rejects the moral obligation to care for his brother. The Ramban (Nachmanides) adds that Kayin’s phrasing implies arrogance, as if questioning the very concept of responsibility for another’s well-being.
The Moral Lesson of Brotherhood
The Sforno emphasizes that this exchange teaches a fundamental ethical principle: every person bears responsibility for others. Kayin’s rhetorical question, "Am I my brother’s keeper?" is answered implicitly by the Torah—yes, one is responsible for their fellow. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 37b) derives from this episode the concept of areivut (mutual responsibility), teaching that all Jews are interconnected.
Hashem’s Mercy in Judgment
Despite Kayin’s sin, Hashem engages him in dialogue rather than immediate punishment. The Malbim notes that this demonstrates divine mercy—even when confronting a murderer, Hashem provides an opportunity for introspection and repentance. However, Kayin’s refusal to acknowledge his wrongdoing leads to his eventual punishment (Bereishit 4:11-12).
Key Takeaways from the Verse