Gen 4:1-16 as a paradigm of the effects of sin

Abstract

The book of Genesis narrates the creation of the first humans as well as their first sin. The aim of this study is to analyse the effects of sin, particularly the effects of original sin on the second generation of humans, Cain and Abel, whose narrative is found in Gen 4:1- 16. The first sin, committed by Adam and Eve after the dialogue with the serpent, brought about several effects on the first humans. These effects were then passed down to the next generation, their sons Cain and Abel. This study starts by looking at Adam and Eve before the Fall and after the Fall in order to see the effects of sin. Gen 4:1-16 is then studied and commented verse by verse, in the meantime noting the effects of the sin of the parents on the lives of the sons. Particular attention is given to Cain, who is the main protagonist of Gen 4:1-16. In the end it can be observed that the four principal effects that sin introduced in the lives of the first humans are also observed in the sons, particularly in Cain. The effects of sin are observed moving from person to person and from generation to generation, with sin becoming more intense in the second generation.