1 John 3:12
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Original Language Analysis
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 29
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πονηρὰ
evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
6 of 29
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔσφαξεν
slew
G4969
ἔσφαξεν
slew
Strong's:
G4969
Word #:
9 of 29
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοῦ
brother
G80
ἀδελφοῦ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
11 of 29
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
he him
G846
αὐτοῦ
he him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
12 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τίνος
G5101
τίνος
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
15 of 29
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἔσφαξεν
slew
G4969
ἔσφαξεν
slew
Strong's:
G4969
Word #:
16 of 29
to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently)
αὐτοῦ
he him
G846
αὐτοῦ
he him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
Because
G3754
ὅτι
Because
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
18 of 29
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
20 of 29
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτοῦ
he him
G846
αὐτοῦ
he him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πονηρὰ
evil
G4190
πονηρὰ
evil
Strong's:
G4190
Word #:
22 of 29
hurtful, i.e., evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from g2556, which refers rather to essential character, as well as from g455
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοῦ
brother
G80
ἀδελφοῦ
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
27 of 29
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
Cross References
Hebrews 11:4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.Proverbs 29:27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.Genesis 4:25And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.Luke 11:51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.Jude 1:11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.Matthew 23:35That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.1 Peter 4:4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:
Historical Context
The Cain and Abel narrative (Genesis 4:1-16) was well-known in Jewish tradition. Rabbinic literature explored why God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's, concluding the difference lay in the offerer's heart, not merely the offering itself. Hebrews 11:4 confirms Abel offered "by faith," implying Cain's offering lacked faith. Jewish tradition also recognized Cain as the prototype of the wicked who persecute the righteous.
Jesus referenced Abel as the first righteous martyr (Matthew 23:35). The early church understood they followed a pattern of righteous sufferers—Abel, the prophets, Christ Himself, the apostles, and ongoing persecution of faithful believers. John's reference to Cain warns believers not to imitate his hatred but also prepares them for the world's hatred (discussed in v. 13).
Questions for Reflection
- What does Cain's hatred of Abel's righteousness reveal about the fallen human heart's response to godliness?
- How can you recognize and combat Cain-like jealousy or resentment when confronted with others' superior righteousness?
- In what ways does this account prepare you for experiencing the world's hatred because of your Christian witness?
Analysis & Commentary
Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. John provides a negative example of lovelessness—Cain, the first murderer. "Not as Cain" (ou kathōs Kain) establishes contrast. "Who was of that wicked one" (ek tou ponērou ēn)—Cain belonged to the devil's family, demonstrating verse 10's principle. Though physically descended from Adam, spiritually Cain was Satan's child, evidenced by his murderous hatred.
"And slew his brother" (esphaxen ton adelphon autou)—the verb sphazō (σφάζω) means to slaughter or butcher, used elsewhere for sacrificial slaying. Cain's murder of Abel (Genesis 4:8) becomes the archetypal act of hatred opposing love. Jesus identified the devil as a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44), connecting Satanic influence to Cain's sin.
"And wherefore slew he him?" introduces the explanation: "Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous" (hoti ta erga autou ponēra ēn ta de tou adelphou autou dikaia). Cain's jealousy and resentment toward Abel's righteousness motivated murder. This pattern repeats throughout history—the world hates those whose righteous lives expose its wickedness (John 15:18-19). Abel's righteousness, demonstrated by his acceptable sacrifice offered in faith (Hebrews 11:4), condemned Cain's unacceptable sacrifice offered from a wicked heart.