By 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. – Hebrews 11:4 (KJV)
And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect…- Genesis 4:3–5 (KJV)
From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see a theme that stretches through eternity: how we worship matters. Abel and Cain both brought offerings to God, but the outcomes were radically different—God “had respect” to Abel’s offering, but not to Cain’s. Hebrews 11:4 tells us why: Abel offered his sacrifice by faith.
The word in Hebrews 11:4 translated “offered” is προσφέρω (prosphérō) in Greek. It means “to bring to, to present, to offer up.” It’s a sacrificial term, used often in the context of bringing something to the altar—not casually, but reverently and intentionally. This word ties into the Old Testament sacrificial system, suggesting that Abel’s worship wasn’t accidental or spontaneous; it was purposeful and patterned.
But how did Abel know what to offer? The Genesis account doesn’t say that God gave explicit instructions—at least not in words we can read. But we must consider this: Adam and Eve had received garments of skin from God after the Fall (Genesis 3:21). That implies a sacrifice had already occurred—God Himself modeled bloodshed as the covering for sin. Abel, likely taught by his parents, understood that an acceptable offering to a holy God involves the shedding of blood.
Abel brought the firstlings—the first and best of his flock—and their fat portions, which were considered the richest and most honoring part in the later Levitical system. Cain, on the other hand, brought “an offering” of the fruit of the ground, but there is no mention of firstfruits or quality. It was likely convenient, not costly.
So what made Abel’s offering better?
-It was by faith.
Abel trusted God’s unseen pattern for atonement, and acted on it!
-It was sacrificial and costly.
-The first and best.
It was aligned with God’s revealed pattern
-It was worship.
Not just a gift, but a reverent approach to God.
Hebrews 11:4 adds a profound truth: Abel’s faith still speaks. Though he died at the hands of his brother, his act of worship remains a testimony. It’s as if every time someone offers God their best in faith, Abel’s voice is heard again, saying, “This is how you honor God.”
Questions to Ponder:
What am I offering to God today—my leftovers or my first and best?
Does my worship align with God’s heart and truth, or just my preferences?
Am I willing to trust God’s invisible patterns even when others around me don’t?
Father, help me bring You the offering of faith. I don’t want to go through motions. I want to worship You in a way that honors Your holiness and responds to Your grace. Let my life echo like Abel’s—still speaking truth, still honoring You, even when no one sees. Teach me to bring not just anything, but the offering You desire. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
