Abel
Second son of Adam and Eve; shepherd and first martyr
Abel (Hebrew: הֶבֶל, Hevel, meaning “breath” or “vapor”) was the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd and keeper of flocks whose righteous offering was accepted by YHWH — making him the first martyr in Scripture, killed by his brother Cain in an act of fratricide (Gen 4:1-16).
The Shepherd’s Offering
While his brother Cain worked the ground as a farmer, Abel tended flocks as a shepherd and herdsman. When both brought offerings to YHWH, Abel presented the firstlings of his flock and their fat portions — the choicest of the firstborn animals. YHWH regarded Abel’s offering with favor but rejected Cain’s produce offering, provoking his brother’s jealousy.
Death and Significance
Abel was killed by Cain in the field — the first human death in Scripture. His blood cried out from the ground to YHWH, who confronted Cain immediately. Though Abel left no descendants or recorded words, his death established the pattern of the righteous sufferer.
The New Testament honors Abel as the first righteous martyr (Matthew 23:35), a man of faith whose offering still speaks (Hebrews 11:4). His shed blood is contrasted with the blood of Christ — Abel’s blood cried out for justice while the blood of the new covenant speaks a better word (Hebrews 12:24).