Genesis 4: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Genesis 4 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Genesis chapter 4 narrates the story of Cain and Abel, the first children of Adam and Eve. Cain, a farmer, and Abel, a shepherd, each bring offerings to God. However, God favors Abel's offering over Cain's, leading Cain to experience jealousy and anger.

Key verse

“Yahweh said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground.”
Genesis 4:10 (WEB)

Outline

Genesis 4:1–2 Birth of Cain and Abel
Genesis 4:3–5 Offerings to God
Genesis 4:6–7 God Confronts Cain
Genesis 4:8–10 Cain Murders Abel
Genesis 4:11–15 God Punishes Cain
Genesis 4:16–22 Cain's Lineage and Achievements
Genesis 4:23–26 Lamech's Decrees and Seth's Birth

Discussion questions

In v4, what does Abel bring as an offering to Yahweh?
What does Cain say to Abel in v8 before killing him?
In v7, why does Yahweh say 'you are to rule over it' in reference to sin?
In v23, what does Lamech mean by saying he has slain a man for wounding him?
When have you let anger lead to a decision you later regretted, as Cain did?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 4: Hebrews 11, Genesis 3, James 1.

Before next time: read Genesis 5.