NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 4:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
but Cain and his offering didn't get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 4:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 4:5 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 4:5 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.