RT Article
T1 A pre-biblical version of the Cain and Abel story: A subtle condemnation of a dysfunctional social structure
JF Journal for the study of the Old Testament
VO 49
IS 2
SP 218
OP 242
A1 Krstić, Vladimir
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1912129124
AB This article argues that, in its pre-biblical version (pre-J), the Cain and Abel story principally dealt with tensions unique to dry-farming families. According to pre-J, the main cause of these tensions was the relevant social structure. The social structure was problematic because it involved two important imbalances, one between the spouses and one between the children. Pre-J offers a novel solution to problems caused by these interfamilial imbalances: rather than accepting their pre-established social roles, people should develop a merit-based social structure. This is why Yahweh says that acceptance and honour are to be found in doing what is right. Focusing on a pre-J narrative in this way and situating the story within the broader context of sibling rivalry solves three puzzles relating to: Yahweh’s preference (God challenges unjust social institutions), Cain’s reactions (he is angry because his expectations were unmet and depressed because he thought that this was his failure), and Yahweh’s final forgiving of Cain (the conflict was not due to Cain’s wicked character).
K1 Sibling rivalry
K1 Middle Eastern mythology
K1 Genesis 4
K1 Conflict
DO 10.1177/03090892241269342