NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 4:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth.
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.”
25 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”
28 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You'll farm this ground, but it will no longer give you its best. You'll be a homeless wanderer on Earth."
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.'
25 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
25 words
NLT
28 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
25 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 4:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 4:12 in 6 translations: New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Message, New American Standard Bible. Each uses a different translation philosophy — from word-for-word (KJV, ESV, NASB) to thought-for-thought (NIV, NLT) to paraphrase (MSG).
Which translation of Genesis 4:12 is best?
No single translation is "best" — it depends on your purpose. For deep study, use the ESV or NASB (word-for-word). For devotional reading, the NIV balances accuracy and readability. The NLT and MSG are excellent for understanding the general meaning in modern English. Comparing multiple translations helps grasp the full richness of the text.
What is the difference between literal and dynamic Bible translations?
Literal (formal equivalence) translations like KJV, ESV, and NASB translate word-for-word from the original Hebrew/Greek. Dynamic equivalence translations like NIV and NLT translate thought-for-thought for clarity. The MSG is a paraphrase that captures the spirit in contemporary language. Each approach has strengths — that's why comparing translations is valuable.