Comments on: What Was Wrong with Cain’s Offering? A Possible Hint from Hebrew Grammar

By: Cees van Veelen

Cees van Veelen — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 18:32:01 +0000

I am not quite convinced by the theory of Zevit. If it were true, Genesis 36:4 would mean that Reuel is born before his half-brother Elifaz. But in 36: 15 Elifaz is mentioned as the first born son of Esau. But I have not read his book.
As far as the offering of Cain is concerned: I don not think there is anything wrong with his offering. The name Abel seems to suggest he is the weak one. He needs more attention. He needs attention from God and from his brother to survive.

By: rochelle

rochelle — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:01:44 +0000

Oh. I have always thought of it as the earliest example of the farmer vs. the cowman, er, shepherd. But, then, I don’t think theologically.

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:35:54 +0000

Interestingly, in my Hebrew class the instructor had us study this passage, among others, for exactly the reasons given by prof. Williams. Unfortunately, when you’re relatively new to Biblical Hebrew and wandering in the grammatical weeds, the theological import never even occurred to me.

Really an interesting post. Thanks

Michael

By: Simon Holloway

Simon Holloway — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:06:34 +0000

I am also unsure as to how I feel about Zevit’s suggestion although, not having read his book, I am not equipped to comment. I do, however, think that this is a great instance of the pluperfect at play, irrespective of whether or not the nominal conjunctive always indicates the same.

By: Tidbits at Tête-à-Tête-Tête

Tidbits at Tête-à-Tête-Tête — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:00:57 +0000

[...] The early bird gets murdered – an interesting suggestion about something that always puzzled me, too. [...]