Boy · Hebrew · Old Testament

Abel

AY-buhl · from Hevel · means “Breath, vapor”

Abel is a Hebrew name meaning "breath" or "vapor," a picture of how fleeting his life would be. He was the second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd whose offering pleased God and whose murder at his brother's hand makes him Scripture's first martyr of faith.

“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings.”

The story behind the name

Abel kept flocks while his brother Cain worked the soil, and each brought an offering to the Lord. Genesis says God looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but not on Cain's, and Cain's anger burned hot (Genesis 4).

Rather than deal with his own heart, Cain lured Abel into the field and killed him, becoming the first murderer in human history. God confronted Cain directly, asking where his brother was and declaring that Abel's blood cried out from the ground.

Hebrews says that though Abel died, "he still speaks" through his faith (Hebrews 11:4). A boy named Abel carries a name that reminds us life is short and precious, and that offerings brought in faith please the Lord.

Middle names that sing with Abel

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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