Genesis 4:2

“And she again bare his brother Abel, etc.] Or “added to bare” f247, not directly or immediately, but perhaps the following year; though some have thought, because no mention is made of her conceiving again, that she brought forth Abel at the same time she did Cain, or that the birth of the one immediately followed upon that of the other: and it is the common opinion of the Jews f248 that with Abel, as with Cain, was born a twin sister, whom the Arabic writers f249 call Lebuda: the name of Abel, or rather Hebel, signifies not “mourning”, as Josephus f250 observes, but “vanity”, Eve not making that account of him as she did of Cain; or perhaps because by this time she became sensible of her…”

“Abel was a keeper of sheep--literally, "a feeder of a flock," which, in Oriental countries, always includes goats as well as sheep. Abel, though the younger, is mentioned first, probably on account of the pre-eminence of his religious character.”

“- Section IV - The Family of Adam - Cain and Abel 1. קין qayı̂n, Qain (Cain), “spear-shaft,” and קנה qānah, “set up, establish, gain, buy,” contain the biliteral root קן qan, “set up, erect, gain.” The relations of root words are not confined to the narrow rules of our common etymology, but really extend to such instinctive usages as the unlettered speaker will invent or employ. A full examination of the Hebrew tongue leads to the conclusion that a biliteral root lies at the base of many of those triliterals that consist of two firm consonants and a third weaker one varying in itself and its position. Thus, יטב yāṭab and טיב ṭôb. So קין qayı̂n and קנה qānah grow from one root. 2. הבל…”

“Abel signifies vanity. The name given to this son is put upon the whole race, Psa 39:5. Every man is at his best estate vanity; Abel, vanity. He chose that employment which did most befriend contemplation and devotion, for that hath been looked upon as the advantage of a pastoral life. Moses and David kept sheep, and in their solitudes conversed with God. Genesis 4:3”

“4:2 his brother . . . Abel: The name (Hebrew habel) means “breath,” “vapor,” or “meaningless,” anticipating his tragically brief life (cp. Eccl 1:2).”

“Abel: Heb. Hebel And Abel: Gen 30:29-31, Gen 37:13, Gen 46:32-34, Gen 47:3; Exo 3:1; Psa 78:70-72; Amo 7:15 a keeper: Heb. a feeder, Gen 4:25, Gen 4:26; Psa 127:3; Joh 8:44; Jo1 3:10, Jo1 3:12, Jo1 3:15 tiller: Gen 3:23, Gen 9:20 Genesis 4:3”