Heb 11:4 | RWP | e4.org | A more excellent sacrifice ( πλειονα θυσιαν ). Literally, "more sacrifice" (comparative of πολυς , much). For this rather free use of πλειων with the point implied rather than stated see ; ; ; . Than Cain ( παρα Καιν ). For this use of παρα after comparative see , . For the incident see . Through which ( δι' ης ). The sacrifice ( θυσια ). He had Witness borne to him ( εμαρτυρηθη ). First aorist passive indicative of μαρτυρεω as in verse , "he was witnessed to." That he was righteous ( εινα δικαιος ). Infinitive in indirect discourse after εμαρτυρηθη , personal construction of δικαιος (predicate nominative after εινα ) agreeing with the subject of εμαρτυρηθη (cf. , εινα σοφο ). God bearing witness ( μαρτυρουντος του θεου ). Genitive absolute with present active participle of μαρτυρεω . Through it ( δι' αυτης ). Through his faith (as shown by his sacrifice). Precisely why Abel's sacrifice was better than that of Cain apart from his faith is not shown. Being dead ( αποθανων ). Second aorist active participle of αποθνησκω , "having died." Yet speaketh ( ετ λαλε ). Cf. ; . Speaks still through his faith.

‏ Hebrews 11:4

A more excellent sacrifice ( πλειονα θυσιαν ). Literally, "more sacrifice" (comparative of πολυς, much). For this rather free use of πλειων with the point implied rather than stated see Mt 6:25; Lu 10:31; 12:23; Heb 3:3.

Than Cain ( παρα Καιν ). For this use of παρα after comparative see 1:4, 9. For the incident see Ge 4:4.

Through which ( δι' ης ). The sacrifice ( θυσια ).

He had Witness borne to him ( εμαρτυρηθη ). First aorist passive indicative of μαρτυρεω as in verse 2, "he was witnessed to."

That he was righteous ( εινα δικαιος ). Infinitive in indirect discourse after εμαρτυρηθη, personal construction of δικαιος (predicate nominative after εινα ) agreeing with the subject of εμαρτυρηθη (cf. Ro 1:22, εινα σοφο ).

God bearing witness ( μαρτυρουντος του θεου ). Genitive absolute with present active participle of μαρτυρεω.

Through it ( δι' αυτης ). Through his faith (as shown by his sacrifice). Precisely why Abel's sacrifice was better than that of Cain apart from his faith is not shown.

Being dead ( αποθανων ). Second aorist active participle of αποθνησκω, "having died."

Yet speaketh ( ετ λαλε ). Cf. Ge 4:10; Heb 12:24. Speaks still through his faith.