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1
A Name of 'Vanity'
Commentators universally agree that Abel's name, 'Hebel,' means 'breath' or 'vanity.' They speculate this could reflect Eve's growing sorrow over the fallen world, a prophetic sense of his short life, or even a name given after his death. This name stands in stark contrast to Cain's ('possession'), foreshadowing the tragic story to come.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 4:1–16
18th Century
Theologian
1. קין (qayin)—Cain, “spear-shaft,” and קנה (qanah)—“set up, establish, gain, buy,” contain the biliteral root …
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 4:2
19th Century
Bishop
Abel. Regarding this name, Dr. Oppert imagined that it was the Assyrian Abil, meaning "a son." In reality, it is Hebe…
John Calvin
On Genesis 4:2
16th Century
Theologian
And she again bare his brother Abel. It is well known from where the name of Cain is derived, and for what reason it was given to him. For…
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John Gill
On Genesis 4:2
17th Century
Pastor
And she again bore his brother Abel
Or "added to bare" F25 , not directly or immediately, but perhaps the…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 4:1–7
17th Century
Minister
When Cain was born, Eve said, "I have gotten a man from the Lord." Perhaps she thought that this was the promised seed. If so, she was woefully dis…