### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Ábel**, represented by `{{G6}}`, refers to **Abel, the son of Adam**. It is of Hebrew origin and appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the New Testament. In each instance, he serves as a foundational example of righteousness, faith, and the first recorded martyrdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, the narrative of `{{G6}}` is consistently linked to his righteous offering and subsequent death. The book of Hebrews highlights that "By faith **Abel** offered unto God a more excellent **sacrifice**" [[Hebrews 11:4]], through which he was testified to be **righteous** `{{G1342}}`. This act of faith continues to have a voice, as the text states that though he is **dead** `{{G599}}`, he still **speaks** `{{G2980}}`. Jesus himself refers to "the **blood** `{{G129}}` of righteous **Abel**" as the beginning of all righteous blood **shed** `{{G1632}}` upon the earth [[Matthew 23:35]], a point reiterated in Luke's Gospel [[Luke 11:51]]. His blood is later contrasted with the "blood of sprinkling" of the new covenant, which **speaks** `{{G2980}}` "better things" [[Hebrews 12:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several key words are directly associated with Abel's biblical profile:
* `{{G1342}}` **díkaios** (just, righteous): This term is explicitly used to describe Abel, marking him as the first example of a righteous man whose blood was shed [[Matthew 23:35]].
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood): The **blood** of Abel is a central motif, mentioned in three of the four verses where his name appears. It represents his life unjustly taken and serves as a testimony that speaks even after his death.
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): Abel is remembered for offering a "more excellent **sacrifice**" to God, an act that demonstrated his faith and was the catalyst for the events that followed [[Hebrews 11:4]].
* `{{G2535}}` **Káïn** (Cain): Abel's story is inseparable from his brother, **Cain**, who serves as the contrast to Abel's faith and righteousness [[Hebrews 11:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G6}}` is established through several key themes:
* **The Prototype of Faith:** In Hebrews, Abel is the first person listed as an example of living by faith. He "obtained witness" `{{G3140}}` from God because of his faith-filled offering, setting a precedent for all who would follow [[Hebrews 11:4]].
* **The First Righteous Martyr:** Jesus identifies the "blood of righteous Abel" as the starting point for the lineage of prophets and righteous individuals slain for their righteousness ([[Matthew 23:35]], [[Luke 11:51]]). He **perished** `{{G622}}` between the **altar** `{{G2379}}` and the temple.
* **An Enduring Testimony:** The concept that Abel's blood "speaketh" establishes that the consequences of righteousness and the injustice of martyrdom have a lasting voice that testifies before God and man ([[Hebrews 11:4]], [[Hebrews 12:24]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G6}}` **Ábel** is far more than a historical name; he is a theological cornerstone. Though mentioned only a few times, he embodies the beginning of righteous faith, acceptable worship through **sacrifice** `{{G2378}}`, and the shedding of innocent **blood** `{{G129}}`. His life and death establish a pattern that runs through scripture, highlighting the conflict between righteousness and wickedness and creating a powerful testimony that endures through the ages.
TRV