Adam and Eve had three well-known sons mentioned in the Bible: Cain, Abel, and Seth. While the question asks for "the son" in singular, the biblical narrative clearly presents multiple male children born to the first humans.
The Progeny of Adam and Eve
According to the Book of Genesis, after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve began to have children, marking the beginning of humanity's expansion. Their first three sons play significant roles in the early chapters of the Bible.
The sons of Adam and Eve include:
- Cain
- Abel
- Seth
Cain: The Firstborn and Farmer
Cain was Adam and Eve's firstborn son. He became a farmer, cultivating the ground. In a pivotal biblical narrative, both Cain and his younger brother Abel brought offerings to God. Cain's offering of agricultural produce was not accepted, while Abel's offering of the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions was favored. This led to Cain's deep resentment and jealousy.
Driven by envy, Cain murdered his brother Abel in a field, making him the first murderer in biblical history. As a consequence, God cursed Cain, condemning him to a life of wandering and toil. He was marked by God for protection, preventing anyone from killing him. Cain later settled in the land of Nod and became the father of Enoch, who established his own line of descendants.
To read more about Cain's story, refer to Genesis 4:1-16.
Abel: The Shepherd and Righteous Offering
Abel was Adam and Eve's second son and Cain's younger brother. He pursued a life as a shepherd, tending to flocks. Abel's character is often highlighted by his sincere offering to God, which was accepted and esteemed more highly than Cain's. His death at the hands of his brother represents the first act of fratricide and a stark illustration of the consequences of jealousy and sin.
Seth: The Line of Hope
After the tragic death of Abel, Adam and Eve conceived another son whom they named Seth. Eve stated that God had granted her "another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him." Seth's birth is significant because his lineage is traced through the Bible as the progenitor of Noah and, ultimately, humanity's future generations. He is often seen as the beginning of a new, righteous line of descendants for Adam and Eve after the disruption caused by Cain.
For more on Seth's birth, see Genesis 4:25-26.
Summary of Adam and Eve's Sons
The table below provides a quick overview of Adam and Eve's prominent sons:
| Son | Key Role / Description | Noteworthy Event |
|---|---|---|
| Cain | Firstborn, a farmer, marked by jealousy and anger | Killed his brother Abel; became a wanderer |
| Abel | Second son, a shepherd, known for his acceptable offering | His offering was favored by God; murdered by Cain |
| Seth | Born as a replacement for Abel, signifying new hope | His lineage continued the main biblical line of humanity |
