Texts in Conversation
In 1 Clement, the author quotes the story of Cain and Abel from the Greek Septuagint translation of Genesis 4 as the first example of what jealousy does, and shows no interest in the two sacrifices, only in the jealousy that led to murder.
Share:
2500 BCE
1000+ CE
LXX Genesis 4:7
Septuagint
4 and Habel, he also brought of the firstlings of his sheep and of their fat portions. And God looked upon Habel and upon his gifts, 5 but on Kain and on his offerings he was not intent. And it distressed Kain exceedingly, and he collapsed in countenance. 6 And the Lord God said to Kain, “Why have you become deeply grieved, and why has your countenance collapsed? 7 If you offer correctly but do not divide correctly, have you not sinned? Be still; his recourse is to you, and you will rule over him.” 8 And Kain said to his brother Habel, “Let us go through into the plain.” And it came about when they were in the plain, that then Kain rose up against his brother Habel and killed him.
Clement of Rome, 1 Clement 4:4
First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians
Early Christian
1 For so it is written, ‘And it came to pass after certain days that Cain brought an offering to God from the fruits of the earth, and Abel also brought an offering from the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions.’ 2 And God looked favorably upon Abel and his gifts, but He paid no regard to Cain and his offerings. 3 And Cain grieved deeply, and his face fell. 4 And God said to Cain, ‘Why are you so sorrowful, and why has your face fallen? If you have offered correctly but not divided correctly, have you not sinned? Be still.’ 5 ‘He will turn to you, and you will rule over him.’ 6 And Cain said to Abel, his brother, ‘Let us go to the fields.’ And it came to pass, while they were in the field, that Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him.
Search:
Notes and References
“... The earliest Church Father to discuss the Cain and Abel story was Clement of Rome, who cited Gen 4:3–8 in the LXX version simply to illustrate the dangers of jealousy and envy (1 Clement [Epistle to the Corinthians] 4; see also Cyprian, De Zelo et Livore 10:4–5, and Irenaeus, Adversus Haereses III.23.4). He shows no concern with the sacrifice as such. Indeed, the sacrifices of the two brothers receive no mention in the writings of the other Apostolic Fathers, or those of Justin and the other Christian Apologists of the second century, although Theophilus preserves a tradition that God offered Cain a chance to repent of his wickedness, which he refused (Ad Autolycum II.29C). It would seem that Irenaeus (c. 135–200 CE), who was born in Asia Minor (Grant 1997, 1–2), was the first Church Father to offer detailed interpretation of the episode ...”
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
Your Feedback:
Leave a Comment
Anonymous comments are welcome. All comments are subject to moderation.
User Comments
,