NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 4:9 — 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 the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?”
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Afterward the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?”
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "How should I know? Am I his babysitter?"
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Where is Abel your brother?' And he said, 'I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?'
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 4:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 4:9 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 4:9 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.