CAIN kān (קַ֔יִן, from the Heb. word, to acquire, by popular etymology. Related to the word to forge in metal, hence, a smith), the eldest son of Adam and Eve who tilled the soil, whereas his younger brother Abel was a shepherd. Cain became a symbol of evil in that he did not exhibit faith in God’s revelation. He offered the fruit of the soil as a sacrifice, but God rejected him. Cain is described in the NT as being “of the evil one” (1 John 3:12). When Abel’s offering from his flocks was accepted by God, Cain became angry, enticed his brother to join him where they were alone, and killed him. God met him, asked about Abel, and pronounced a curse on Cain because of his sin (Gen 4:9-16). Cain was sent into the land of Nod (i.e. wandering) where he feared he might be in danger. God protected him by placing a mark upon Cain. The nature of the mark is unknown, but it may have been similar to tribal marks known in the Middle E. Cain built a city and became the progenitor of a large family with diverse occupations. The first tent-dwelling herdsmen, metal-workers, and musicians were from the line of Cain. Other peoples of the ancient world thought of the gods as the originators of the arts and crafts, but the Bible traces them to human development within the line of Cain. Cain was the first child of Adam and Eve, and he became the first murderer, illustrating the development of sin within the race of Adam.