Ἄβελ (Abel)
Abel
Abel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Abel comes from a Hebrew word meaning "breath" or "vapor," suggesting something fleeting and transient. In Genesis, this etymology serves as a poignant label for a life cut short by violence, marking him as the second son of Adam and Eve.
Although his earthly story is brief, Abel carries significant weight in later Scripture. He appears in Matthew 23:35 and Luke 11:51 when Jesus refers to "the blood of Abel" as the first innocent victim, establishing a lineage of righteous suffering that ends with Zechariah.
The Epistle to the Hebrews highlights Abel’s enduring legacy. His offering is described as superior because it was given in faith, and his death speaks even now, serving as a timeless witness to the power of sincere devotion over mere ritual.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Abel means "breath" or "vapor," a quiet reminder that human life is fragile and brief. Yet, in Scripture, this fleeting moment carries eternal weight. When Jesus mentions Abel in Matthew 23:35, He points to the first innocent victim of violence, establishing a long line of righteous suffering that stretches from Genesis to the cross.
Hebrews 11:4 tells us that Abel’s offering was accepted because it came from faith. His death did not silence his witness; instead, his story continues to speak to believers today. It reminds us that true devotion matters more than outward ritual, and that God sees the heart behind the gift.
Even in Hebrews 12:24, Abel’s blood is mentioned, but it is contrasted with the blood of Jesus. While Abel’s cry was one of victimhood, Christ’s blood speaks of grace and forgiveness. This shift invites us to look beyond our own fragility to the secure hope found in Christ, who turns even the deepest sorrow into redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Abel2×
- Abel.1×
- Abel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἅβελ3×
- Ἅβελ.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks.
This verse highlights that Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because it was offered in faith, showing that sincere devotion matters more than ritual.
-
Matthew 23:35
that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.
Jesus uses Abel as the starting point of a historical line of righteous victims, connecting the first murder to the broader story of human sin and divine justice.
-
Hebrews 12:24
to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abel.
Here Abel’s blood is contrasted with Jesus’ blood, showing that while Abel’s cry was for justice, Christ’s blood brings a better word of grace and forgiveness.