Genesis 4:4

the firstlings i.e. "the firstborn," regarded as the best and choicest, cf. Exodus 34:19; Numbers 18:17; Proverbs 3:9.

the fat i.e. the fatty portions, which were regarded as choicest for the purpose of a banquet (cf. 1 Samuel 2:16), or for burning in sacrifice, Isaiah 1:11, "the fat of fed beasts."

had respect unto i.e. looked with favour upon. In the two passages which it is natural to quote in illustration of this expression, Numbers 16:15, "Respect not thou their offering," and Amos 5:22, "Neither will I regard the peace-offerings," the Hebrew has a different verb, but the Latin renders, as here, by respicere.

How the favourable regard was expressed we are not told. See note on the next verse.