Naming of Cain in Genesis 4:1 and Its Consequence

Verse 4:1 in Genesis was the subject of extensive exegetical discussion, which led to a wide spectrum of nuanced interpretations. Much of the discussion focused on the meaning of the particle אֶת in context. The purpose of this study is to suggest that the problematic particle אֶת is a misreading of the original תֵתּ, caused by the א/ת similarity in the paleo-Hebrew script. The emended reading suggests that Cain, being afraid of Eve's intention to sacrifice him to God, murdered Abel out of fear for his life.