Gen 4:3–5: two offerings, and the Lord's regard

Says Each brother brings a מִנְחָה (BDB "gift, tribute, offering," including an "offering made to God, of any kind, whether grain or animals"). Cain brings מִפְּרִי הָאֲדָמָה, "of the fruit of the ground"; Abel brings מִבְּכֹרוֹת צֹאנוֹ, "of the firstborn of his flock," וּמֵחֶלְבֵהֶן, "and of their fat portions" (BDB "fat," also "choicest, best part"). The BSB's "the best portions of the firstborn of his flock" joins the two. The Lord וַיִּשַׁע, "regarded," Abel and his offering, and Cain and his offering לֹא שָׁעָה, "he did not regard" (BDB "gaze at, regard (with favour)"). How the regard was shown is not said. Cain וַיִּחַר, "was angry," and וַיִּפְּלוּ פָּנָיו, "his face fell." Swete has θυσίαν for Cain's offering and τοῖς δώροις for Abel's.

Says Heb 11:4: "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did." 1 John 3:12: Cain's "own deeds were evil." These are stated, not used to choose among the readings below.

Uncertain Why Abel's offering was regarded; no lean is taken here. (1) The giver's heart and faith; grounds: Heb 11:4, 1 John 3:12 and 4:7, "If you do what is right." Objection: 4:3–5 names no attitude. (2) The quality of the gift: firstborn and fat against plain fruit. Objection: Cain's gift is not called poor. (3) The kind: animal against produce. Objection: the noun later covers grain offerings, and no command is given. (4) God's free choice, with no reason stated. Objection: 4:7 ties acceptance to doing well. Combinations are common.