Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(breath, vapor). Second son of Adam and Eve. A keeper of sheep, and murdered by his brother Cain through jealousy (Gen. 4:2-8). See also (Heb. 11:4; 1 John 3:12; a righteous man, Matt. 23:35).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The second Son of Adam. The name Hebel given him by his mother, signifying breath “or vanity,” possibly originated in her disappointment at Cain not proving to be the promised Redeemer. In process of time the great difference in the two brothers was manifested by Abel offering to God a slain animal, while Cain brought the fruit of his own labor from the cursed ground, ignoring the facts that in the fall of Adam life had been forfeited and the ground cursed. Abel presented a sacrifice in the way of faith through a slain firstling of the flock (Heb. 11:4). He thus obtained a witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts (compare Matt. 23:35). Thus early were brought out in clear lines the two seeds: one born of God, and the other of that “wicked one” (1 John 3:12). Abel is a type of Christ, as Cain is that of the Jew. As the Jews broke the law against both God and their neighbor, so Cain disregarded God’s judgment on man, and slew his brother. In Cain is also exemplified the religion of the natural man, who, disregarding his distance from God, thinks he can approach at any time and with any form of worship.
Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:
Meaning:
of Hebrew origin (1893); Abel, the son of Adam
Jackson’s Dictionary of Scripture Proper Names:
vanity (i.e., transitory) : mourning, or a meadow
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