en_tn/1jn/03/12.md

# We should not be like Cain

"We should not do as Cain did"

# brother

This refers to Cain's younger brother Abel.

# Why did he kill him? Because

John uses a question to teach his audience. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: "He killed him because" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# his works were evil and his brother's righteous

The words "works were" are also understood in the second phrase. Alternate translation: "Cain's works were evil and his brother's works were righteous" or "Cain did evil things and his brother did what was right" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])