2006-08-25 23:38:37 · 11 answers · asked by ralph 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
G'day Ralph,
Thanks for your question.
It means to take responsibility for them. It comes from the story of Cain and Abel who were the sons of Adam and Eve. The Torah presents a brief account of the brothers. It states that Cain was a tiller of the land while his younger brother Abel was a shepherd, and that one day they both offered a sacrifice to God, Cain offering fruit and grain, and Abel offering the fat, fatlings, or milk as Josephus has it (the possible renderings of the consonantal Hebrew) from the firstborn of his flock. For an unspecified reason, God favors Abel's offering, and subsequently Cain murders Abel, for another unspecified reason, often assumed simply to be jealousy over God's favoritism. The Torah continues with God apparently unable to find either Abel or his body, or at least not admitting to doing so, and so questioning Cain about Abel's location. In a response that has become a well known saying, Cain answers "Am I my brother's keeper?".
I have attached some sources for your reference.
Regards
2006-08-25 23:54:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
After Cain killed Able, God asked Cain where Able was, and Cain replied, "I'm not my brother's keeper." He knew that he had done wrong by killing his brother and thought that he could fool God. The simple command, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself" indicates that we ARE our brother's keeper. We should help others whenever we see a need, and do harm to none.
Love, Hope, & Peace,
Cal-el & Swissy
2006-08-26 06:46:32 · answer #2 · answered by Prodigal Son 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was a term used by abel in the bible an insulting term after he killed his brother. When its used it a disregard to ones relationship with a person. Mostly brothers but can be used for anyone.
2006-08-26 06:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by nbarnor 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've heard this expression used:
"What do you think I am, my brother's keeper?"
I think it means that it is inferred that you are responsible for a person. You are responsible for that persons thoughts and actions.
2006-08-26 06:49:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh the famous cain and abel line..
well the simple is.. that means..the one responsible to take care for his brother...
"am i my brother's keeper?" for simpler terms Should I watch my brother everytime? Am i responsible for him?
2006-08-26 06:50:57 · answer #5 · answered by LAdy_psychology 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It mean that we should lookout for everyone so that he/she doesn't get into situations that could be bad.
In your case it means you have to look out that your brother doesn't get out of his cage & have s*x because one ugly freak is enough for the world to handle.
2006-08-26 06:53:07 · answer #6 · answered by aussie fallen angel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looking after your fellow humans, whether it be a man or woman, helping them to stay on the right path to righteousness.
2006-08-26 06:42:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means to look after your fellow man. To take care of him/her.
2006-08-26 06:51:16 · answer #8 · answered by kingofnarniaforever 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means you are obligated to look after your brother's life afairs
2006-08-26 06:43:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
probably he in the pain or something bothers him talk to him
2006-08-26 06:41:40 · answer #10 · answered by george p 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋