NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 4:13 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. <sup>My: or, Mine iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven</sup>
26 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Cain replied to the LORD, “My punishment is too great for me to bear!
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Cain said to God, "My punishment is too much. I can't take it!
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Cain said to the LORD, 'My punishment is too great to bear!
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
26 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 4:13?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 4:13 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 4:13 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.