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The Bible in English:Cain and Abel from Genesis 4

Notes on the Versions

Wycliffe (early), c. 1384 A translation done under the direction of John Wycliffe and circulated in manuscript by his followers (the Lollards); translated word for word from the Latin Vulgate; aimed at the learned.

Wycliffe (late), c. 1395 A revision of Wycliffe’s translation done by his follower John Purvey; more coherent than the earlier version and aimed at a wider audience; also circulated in manuscript.

Tyndale, 1534 After translating the New Testament, Tyndale turned to the Pentateuch, publishing the first version in the Netherlands in 1530. He was killed before he could translate the rest of the Bible.

Coverdale, 1535 A completion of Tyndale’s translation, published on the Continent. The first complete printed English Bible.

Great Bible, 1540 The first authorized English Bible, prepared by Coverdale; based on his earlier version, but with controversial passages revised.

Thomas Matthew, 1549 First published in 1537, this version is similar to Coverdale, except in that it includes more of Tyndale’s OT translations.

Bishops’ Bible, 1568 A translation authorized by the Church of England in response to the Calvinist bent of the Geneva Bible; in its 1572 revision it served as the base text for the KJV.

Geneva Bible, 1587 First published in 1560, this translation included an extensive apparatus designed to help first-time readers understand the Biblical text. The influence of Calvinism on the notes made them controversial, however.

Douai-Rheims, 1582-1610 A Catholic translation produced by the English College, Douai, at Reims in France, with extensive annotations presenting a Counter-Reformation perspective on contested theological questions.

King James Version, 1611 Commissioned by King James in 1604 and carried out by a team of 47 scholars working from the original languages; intended to support Anglican ecclesiology; the text now used is Benjamin Blayney’s 1769 Oxford edition.

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Richard Challoner, 1750-52 Challoner, an English Catholic bishop, revised the Douai-Rheims version, with much influence from the KJV. This was the Bible for English-speaking Catholics into the 20th century.

Noah Webster, 1833 Slightly revised the KJV, replacing archaic words and making grammatical adjustments.

English Revised Version (or Revised Version), 1881-94 The first and only authorized revision of the KJV and the forerunner of the modern translation tradition.

American Standard Version, 1900 An American extension of the ERV, it achieved wide use in seminaries but never quite caught on in the pews.

Jewish Publication Society, 1917 Influenced by the ERV and the ASV, but altering key passages (e.g., Isaiah 7:14) to reflect Jewish rather than Christian readings.

Revised Standard Version, 1952 A revision of the ASV; the first post-KJV translation to really take off—but perceived by some as theologically liberal because it underplayed certain passages in the OT that were often read as messianic.

New English Bible, 1970 Begun in 1946 as a revision of the ERV, its goal was to produce a Bible in thoroughly modern English.

JPS Tanakh, 1985 Begun in the 1950s as a response to the outdated first JPS; takes a conservative approach to textual emendation; the 1985 Tanakh gathers revised versions of sections first published separately; used by most Reform and Conservative Jewish congregations.

New Revised Standard Version, 1989 An updated version of the Revised Standard Version, itself an update of the ASV. This translation strives for extensive gender neutrality.

Revised English Bible, 1989 An update of the NEB, it takes a “dynamic equivalence” approach to rendering the Biblical text in language readily familiar to educated speakers of British English.

New American Standard Bible, 1995 update Revises the ASV; conceived as an alternative to the “theologically liberal” Revised Standard Version (1946-52); considered the most literal of modern translations.

Robert Alter, The Five Books of Moses, 2004 Attempts to capture the literary qualities of the Hebrew original, with extensive notes probing literary features of the text.

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New International Version, 2011 update A Protestant American translation, first published in 1978, that enjoys wide popularity, but the update is too gender-neutral for some denominations.

New American Bible Revised Edition, 2011 An update to the New American Bible of 1970, this is a Catholic translation that received official approval by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2010.

Note: in the older translations, i/j and u/v are interchangeable. The Wycliffe versions sometimes use “y” where we would use “g.” “ß” is a double s. Sometimes these versions omit a terminal n and use only one “e” where we would expect two.

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Wycliffe (early), c. 13841 Adam forsothe knewe Eue his wijf, the which conceyuede, and bare Caym, seiynge, I haue had a man bi God. 2 And eft soons she bare his brother Abel. Forsothe Abel was a sheepherd of sheep, and Caym an erthe tilyer. 3 And don it is after many dayes, that Caym shulde offre of the fruytis of the erthe yiftis to the Lord; 4 Abel forsothe offride of the first gotun of his flok, and of the fatnes of hem. And the Lord bihelde to Abel and to his yiftis; 5 to Caym forsothe and to the yiftis of hym he bihelde not. And Caym was greetli wroth, and therwith felle his chere. 6 And the Lord seide to hym, Whi art thow wroth, and whi therwith fallith thi face? 7 Shalt thow not reseyue wel, if thou wel dost; ellis forsothe euel, anoon in the yatis thi synnes shal ben at thee? but vndre thee shal be the appetite of hym, and thow shalt haue lordship of hym. 8 And Caym seide to Abel his brother, Go we out. Whanne thei weren in the feeld, aroos there with Caym ayens his brother Abel, and slowe him. 9 And the Lord seide to Caym, Where is Abel thi brother? The which answeryde, I wote neuere; whether am I the keper of my brother? 10 And he seide to hym, What hast thow don? the vois of the blood of thi brother crieth to me fro the erthe. 11 Now than thow shalt be cursid vpon the erthe, the which openyde his mowthe, and toke the blood of thi brother of thin honde. 12 Whanne thow worchist the erthe, it shal not yiue thee his fruytis; vagaunt and

fer fugitif thow shalt be vpon the erthe alle the daies of thi lijf. 13 And Caym seide to the Lord, More is my wickidnes than that I deserue foryeuenes; 14 se! thow castist me out to day fro the face of the erthe; and fro thi face I shal be hid, and I shal be vagaunt and fer fugitif in the erthe; al thanne that shal fynd me shal sle me. 15 And the Lord seide to hym, It shal not be do so, but al that shal sle Caym shal seuene fold be punysshid. And the Lord sette a signe in Caym, that ech that fonde hym shulde not sle hym. 16 And Caym, passid out fro the face of the Lord, dwellide fer fugitif in the erthe, at the eest plage of Eden.

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Wycliffe (Late), c. 13951 Forsothe Adam knewe Eue his wijf, which conseyuede, and childide Cayn, and seide, Y haue gete a man bi God. 2 And efte sche childide his brother Abel. Forsothe Abel was a kepere of scheep, and Cayn was an erthe tilyere. 3 Sotheli it was don after many daies, that Cayn offride yiftis to the Lord of the fruytis of erthe; 4 and Abel offride of the first gendrid of his floc, and of the fatnesse of tho. And the Lord bihelde to Abel and to the yiftis of hym; 5 sotheli he bihelde not to Cayn and to hise yiftis. And Cayn was wrooth greetli, and his cheer felde doun. 6 And the Lord seide to hym, Whi art thou wrooth, and whi felde doun thi face? 7 Whether not if thou schalt do wel, thou schalt resseyue; but if thou doist yuele, thi synne schal be present anoon in the yatis? but the desir therof schal be vndur thee, and thou schalt be lord therof. 8 And Cayn seide to Abel his brother, Go we out. And whanne thei weren in the feeld, Cayn roos ayens his brother Abel, and killide him. 9 And the Lord seide to Cayn, Where is Abel thi brother? Which answerde, Y woot not; whether Y am the kepere of my brothir? 10 And God seide to Cayn, What hast thou do? the vois of the blood of thi brother crieth to me fro erthe. 11 Now therfor thou schalt be cursid on erthe, that openyde his mouth, and resseyuede of thin hond the blood of thi brothir. 12 Whanne thou schalt worche the erthe, it schal not yyue his fruytis to thee; thou

schalt be vnstable of dwellyng and fleynge aboute on erthe in alle the daies of thi lijf. 13 And Cayn seide to the Lord, My wickidnesse is more than that Y disserue foryyuenesse; lo! 14 to dai thou castist me out fro the face of the erthe; and Y schal be hid fro thi face, and Y schal be vnstable of dwellyng and fleynge aboute in erthe; therfore ech man that schal fynde me schal slee me. 15 And the Lord seide to hym, It schal not be don so, but ech man that schal slee Cayn shal be punyschid seuenfold. And the Lord settide a signe in Cayn, that ech man that schulde fynde hym schulde not slee hym. 16 And Cayn yede out fro the face of the Lord, and dwellide fleynge aboute in erthe, at the eest coost of Eden.

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Tyndale, 1534

And Adam lay wyth Heua ys wyfe / which conceaved and bare Cain / and sayd: I haue goten a ma of the LORde. And she proceded forth and bare hys brother Abell: And Abell became a sheperde / And Cain became a ploweman.And it fortuned in processe of tyme / that Cain brought of the frute of the erth: an offerynge vnto the LORde. And Abell / he brought also of the fyrstlynges of hys shepe and of the fatt of them. And the LORde loked vnto Abell and to his offeynge: but vnto Cain and vnto his offrynge / looked he not. And Cain was wroth exceadingly / and loured. And the LORde sayd vnto Cain: why art thou angry / and why loureste thou? Wotest thou not yf thou dost well thou shalt receave it? But & yf thou dost evell / by & by thy synne lyeth open in the dore. Not withstondyng let it be subdued vnto the / ad see thou rule it. And Cain talked wyth Abell his brother.And as soone as they were in the feldes / Cain fell vppon Abell his brother and slewe hym And ye LORde sayd vnto Cain: where is Abell thy brother? And he sayd: I can not tell / am I my brothers keper? And he sayd: What hast thou done? the voyce of thy brothers bloud cryeth vnto me out of the erth. And now cursed be thou as pertaynyng to the erth / which opened hyr mouth to receaue thy brothers bloud of thyne hande. For when thou tyllest the grounde she shall heceforth not geve hyr power vnto the. A

vagabunde and a rennagate shalt thou be vpon the erth.And Cain sayd vnto the LORde: my synne is greater / then that it may be forgeven. Beholde thou castest me out thys day from of the face of the erth / and fro thy syghte must I hyde my selfe ad I must be wandrynge and a vagabunde vpon the erth: Morover whosoever fyndeth me / wyll kyll me, And the LORde sayd vnto hi Not so / but whosoever sleyth Cain shalbe punyshed .vij. folde. And ye LORde put1 a marke vpo Cain that no ma yt founde hym shulde kyll hym. And Cain went out fro the face of the LORde and dwelt in the lande Nod / on the east syde of Eden.

1 Of this place no doute ye pope which in all thinges maketh hi self equal with god toke an occasion to marke all his creatures: and to forbid vnder payne of excomunicaio yt no ma whether he were kige or emperowre) be so hardy to punishe them for what so euer myschef they doo. The crowne is to the a licence to do what they liste a protecio & a sure sentuarye.

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Coverdale, 1535A Morouer Adam laye with Heua his wyfe, which coceaued & bare Cain, and sayde, I haue opteyned ye man of the LORDE. And she proceaded forth, & bare his brother Abell. And Abell became a shepherde, but Cain became an hußbande man.And it fortuned after certaine daies, that Cain brought of the frute of the earth, an offrynge vnto ye LORDE. And Abell brought also of the firstlinges of his shepe, and of ye fat of them.1 And the LORDE had respecte vnto Abell and to his offerynge: but vnto Cain and his offerynge he loked not. Then was Cain exceadinge wroth, and his countenaunce chaunged. And the LORDE sayde vnto Cain: Why art thou angrie? and why doth thy countenaunce chaunge? Is it not so? that yf thou do well, thou shalt receaue it: but and yf thou do euell, thy synne lyeth open in the dore? Shal he then be subdued vnto the? and wilt thou rule him?2 And Cain talked with Abell his brother.And it happened, that whan they were in the felde, Cain arose agaynst Abell his brother, and slew him. B Then sayde the LORDE vnto Cain: Where is Abell thy brother? He sayde: I can not tell. Am I my brothers keper?3 And he sayde: What hast thou done?4 The voyce of thy brothers bloude crieth vnto me out of the earth. And now shalt 1 Heb.11.a2 Some reade: Let it be subdued vnto the, & rule thou it3 Sap.10.a 1.Ioh 3.b4 Heb.12.d

thou be cursed vpon the earth, which hath opened hir mouth, and receaued thy brothers bloude of thine hande. Whan thou tyllest ye grounde, she shall henßforth not geue hir power vnto the.5 A vagabunde and a rennagate shalt thou be vpon ye earth. And Cain sayde vnto ye LORDE: my synne is greater,6 then that it maye be forgeuen me. Beholde, thou castest me out this daye from out of ye londe, and from yi sight must I hyde myself, and must be a vagabunde and a rennagate vpon ye earth. And thus shal it go with me: that who so fyndeth me, shal slaye me.C But the LORDE sayde thus vnto him:7 Who so euer slayeth Cain, it shalbe auenged seuenfolde. And the LORDE put a marck vpon Cain, that no man which founde him, shulde kyll him. So Cain wente out from ye face of the LORDE, and dwelt in the lande Nod, vpon the east syde of Eden.

5 Pro.28.6 Iob 15.c7 Gen.4.

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Great Bible, 1540

¶ Cain doth not onely kyll his righteous brother Abel: but also dispayreth: and is cursed. The generacyon of Enoch: Mathusael: Tubal: Lamech: Seth and Enos. 

A Adam knewe Heua his wife: Who coceauynge, bare Cain, sayinge: I haue gotten a man of the Lorde. And she proceadynge furth, brought furth hys brother Habel, and Habel was a keper of shepe. But Cain was a tyller of the grounde. And in processe of dayes it came to passe, that Cain brought of the frute of the grounde an oblacyon vnto the Lorde. Habel also brought of the fyrstlynges of hys shepe, and of the fat therof. And the Lorde had respecte vnto1 Habel, & to hys oblacyon. But vnto Cain and to hys offrynge he had no respecte. For the whych cause Cain was exceadyng wrothe, and hys countenaunce abated. And the Lorde sayde vnto Cain: Why art thou wrothe, & why is thy countenauce abated? yf thou do well, shall there not be a promocion. And yf thou dost not well, lyeth not thy synne in the dores? Unto the also pertayneth the lust therof, and thou shalt haue dominio ouer it. And Cain spake vnto Habel hys brother (let vs go furth.)B And it fortuned2 whan they were in the felde, Cain rose vp agaynst Habel hys brother, and slue him. And the Lorde sayde vnto Cain:

1 Iob.xxxiiii2 Sap.x.a i.Ioan.iii.a Heb.xii.f. Mat.xxiij.d. Iude.i.d.

Where is Habel thy brother? Whych sayd: I wote not. Am I my brothers keper? And he sayde: What hast yu done? The voyce of thy brothers bloude crieth vnto me out of the grounde. And nowe art thou curssed from of the erth, whych hath opened hyr mouth, to receaue thy brothers bloude from thy hande. If thou tyll the grounde, she shall not proceade to yelde vnto the hyr strength. Fugityue, and vagabounde shalt thou be in the erth. And Cain sayde vnto the Lorde: Myne3 iniquite is more, then yt it maye be forgeue. Beholde, thou hast cast me out this daye from the vpper face of the erth, and fro thy face shall I be hyd: Fugityue also and a vagabounde shall I be in the erth. And it shall come to passe: euery one that fyndeth me, shall slaye me. And the Lorde sayde vnto him: (it shall not be so) yee, but whosoeuer slayeth Cain, it shalbe auenged seuen folde.C And the Lorde set a marke vpon Cain, lest any ma fyndynge him, shulde kyll hym. And Cain wente out fro the presence of the Lorde, & dwelt in the lode of Nod eastward fro Eden. 

3 Iob.xv.c.

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Thomas Matthew, 1549

¶ Cayn kylled his ryghteous brother Abell. Cayn dispayreth & is curssed The generacio of Enoch, Mathusael, Tubal, Lamech, Seth and Enos. 

A And Adam laye wt Heua his wyfe, whiche conceyued & bare Cayn, & sayde: I haue goten a man of the Lord. And she proceded forth and bare hys brother Abell: and Abell became a shepherde, and Cayn became a plowman.And it fortuned in processe of tyme, that Cayn brought of ye fruite of the erth, an offerynge vnto the Lorde. And Abell he brought also of the fyrstlynges of hys shepe, & of the fatt of them. And the Lord loked vnto1 Abel and to hys offrynge, but vnto Cayn & vnto hys offrynge loked he not. And Cayn was wroth exceadyngly, & loured. And the Lorde sayd vnto Cayn: why art thou angry, & why lourest thou? Wotest thou not yf thou dost well thou shalt receyue it? But and yf thou dost euell, by & by thy synne lyeth open in the dore. Notwithstandyng let it be subdued vnto the, and sea thou rule it. And Cayn talked with Abel hys brother.B And as soone as they were in the feldes, Cayn fell vpon2 Abell hys brother, & slewe hym. And the Lorde sayd vnto Cayn: where is Abel thy brother? And he sayde: I can not tell, am I my brothers keper? And he sayde: What hast

1 Hebr.xi.a.2 Sapien.x.a i.Ioh.iij.c Hebr.xij.f. Mat.xxiij.d Iude.i.d

thou done? The voyce of thy brothers bloude cryeth vnto me oute of the erth. And now curssed be thou as pertaining to the erth, whyche opened her mouth to receyue thy brothers bloude of thyne hande. For when thou tyllest the grounde she shall henceforth not geue her power vnto the. A vagabunde and a3 rennagate shalt thou be vpon the erth.And Cayn sayd vnto the Lorde: my synne is greater, then that it may be4 forgeuen. Beholde thou castest me out thys daye from the face of the erth, & fro thy syghte must I hyde myself, & I must be wandrynge and a vagabunde vpon the erth: Moreouer whosoeuer fyndeth me, wyl kyl me. And the Lorde sayd vnto him: Not so, but whosoeuer sleith Cayn shalbe punisshed vij. folde. C And the Lord put a marke vpo Cayn that no man that founde hym should kyl him. And Cayn went out fro the face of the Lorde, and dwelt in the lande Nod, on the east syde of Eden.

3 Prouer. xxviij.i.4 Iob.xv.c

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Bishops’ Bible, 1568

1 Cain. 3 Abel and Cain do offer gyftes vnto the Lorde. 6 Cain is rebuked of the Lorde. 8 He kylleth his brother Abel. 11 Cain is cursed. 13 Cain despaireth.

A 1 And Adam knewe Heua his wyfe, who conceauing bare Cain, saying:1 I haue gotten a man of the Lorde.2  2 And she proceading, brought foorth his brother Habel,  and Habel was a keper of sheepe, but Cain was a tyller of the grounde.3 3 And in processe of dayes it came to passe, that Cain brought of the fruite of the grounde, an4 oblation vnto ye lorde: 

[Habel slayne.]4 Habel also brought of the firstlynges of his sheepe, & of the fatte thereof: and the Lorde had respect5 vnto6 Habel, and to his oblation. 5 But vnto Cain and to his offeryng he had no respect: for the whiche cause Cain was exceedyng wroth, and his countenaunce abated.7 B 6 And the Lorde saide vnto Cain: why art thou wroth? and why is thy 1 Heua thanketh god for the blessyng of chyldren. 2 he, a man, God.3 Though Adam was Lorde of all the earth, yet he brought vp his chyldren not idelly.4 Their chyldren were taught to worship God of their father.5 The faith of Habel made his oblatio acceptable.6 Hebr.xi.a.7 The goodnesse of God towarde the godly greueth the wicked.

countenaunce abated? 7 If thou do well, shalt8 thou not9 receaue? and yf thou doest not well, lyeth not thy sinne at the doores? Also vnto thee shall his desire be, and thou shalt haue dominion ouer hym.10 8 And Cain talked11 with Habel his brother: and it came to passe when they were in the fielde, Cain rose vp agaynst Habel his brother, & slewe him.12 9 And the Lorde said vnto Cain: where is Habel thy brother? Which sayde13 I wote not: Am I my brothers keper? 10 And he sayde: What hast thou done?14 the voyce of thy brothers blood cryeth vnto me out of the grounde.15 11 And nowe art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receaue thy brothers blood from thy hande. 12 If thou tyll the grounde, she shall not yeelde vnto thee her strength. A fugitiue and a vacabound shalt thou be in the earth.16 13 And Cain sayde vnto the Lord: My iniquitie is more17 then

8 Or, Shall ther not be an acceptation.9 That is, God wyll accept thy sacrifice also, if thei be offred faithfully.10 Cain had no iuste cause of enuie, seing his auctoritie ouer Habel remayned sure vnto hym.11 Hypocrites disseblingly speke fayre.12 VVisd.x. Math.xxiii 1.Para.iii. Iudges.xi.13 With impietie & mischiefe is foolyshnesse ioyned.14 God hath great care for his holy saintes.15 The very earth abhorreth sheddyng of blood.16 A fearefull conscience fyndeth reste no where.17 See the degrees by the whiche Cain fel into desperation.

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that it may be forgeuen.18 14 Beholde, thou hast cast me out this day from the vpper face of the earth, & from thy face shall I be hyd,2 fugitiue also and a vacabounde shall I be in the earth: and it shall come to passe, that euery one that fyndeth me shal slay me. C 15 And the Lorde said vnto him: Uerely whosoeuer slayeth Cain, he shalbe punished seuen folde.3 And the Lorde set a marke vpon Cain, lest any man fyndyng hym shoulde kyll hym. 16 And Cain went out from the presence of the Lorde,4 & dwelt in the lande of Nod, eastwarde from Eden. 

1 Or, My punyshement is greater the that I may beare.2 A great punyshment not to be vnder the tuition of God.3 God wold haue Cain remayne for an example of his vengeaunce vpon murtherers.4 The excomunication or banishment of Cain.

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Geneva Bible, 1587

1 The generation of mankinde. 3 Kain and Habel offer sacrifice. 8 Kain killeth Habel. 1 Afterwarde the man knewe Heuah his wife, which conceiued1 and bare Kain, and said, I haue obteined a man by the Lord.2 2 And againe she brought foorth his brother Habel, & Habel was a keeper of sheepe, and Kain was a tiller of the ground. 3 ¶ And in processe of time it came to passe, that Kain brought an oblation3 vnto the Lorde of the fruite of the ground. 4 And Habel also him selfe brought of the first fruites of his sheepe, and of the fat of them, and the Lorde had respect vnto Habel,4 and to his offering, 5 But vnto Kain and to his offering he had no regarde:5 wherefore Kain was exceeding wroth, and his countenance fell downe. 6 Then ye Lord said vnto Kain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance cast downe? 7 If thou do well, shalt thou not 1 Mans nature, the state of mariage, and Gods blessing were not vtterly abolished thorow sinne, but the qualitie or condition thereof was changed.2 That is, according to the Lords promes, as chap. 3.15: some reade, To the Lord, as reioycing for the sonne which she had borne, whom she would offer to the Lord as the first fruites of her birth.3 This declareth that the father instructed his children in the knowledge of God, and also howe God gaue them sacrifices to signifie their saluation: albeit they were destitute of the sacramet of ye tree of life.4 Hebre.11.4.5 Because he was an hypocrite and offered onely for an outwarde shewe without synceritie of heart.

be accepted?6 and if thou doest not well, sinne lieth at the doore:7 also vnto thee his desire shalbe subiect,8 and thou shalt rule ouer him. 8 ¶ Then Kain spake to Habel his brother. And when they were in the fielde,9 Kain rose vp against Habel his brother, and slewe him. 9 Then the Lorde said vnto Kain, Where is Habel thy brother? Who answered, I cannot tell.10 Am I my brothers keeper? 

[Kain cursed. Religion restored.]10 Againe he said, What hast thou done? the voyce11 of thy brothers blood cryeth vnto me from the earth. 11 Now therefore thou art cursed from the earth,12 which hath opened her mouth to receiue thy brothers blood from thine hand. 12 When thou shalt till the grounde, it shall not henceforth yeelde vnto thee her strength: a vagabond13 and a runnagate shalt thou be in 6 Both thou and thy sacrifice shalbe acceptable to me.7 Sinne shall still torment thy conscience8 The dignitie of the first borne is giuen to Kain ouer Habel.9 Wisd.10. 3. mat.23.35. 1.iohn 3.12. iude 11.10 This is the nature of the reprobate when they are reprooued of their hypocrisie, euen to neglect God and despite him.11 God reuengeth the wrongs of his Saints, though none complaine: for the iniquitie it selfe cryeth for vengeance.12 The earth shall be a witnesse against thee, which mercifully receiued that blood which thou most cruelly sheddest.13 Thou shalt neuer haue rest: for thine heart shall be in continuall feare and care.

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the earth. 13 Then Kain said to the Lorde,1 My punishment is greater, then I can beare.2 14 Behold, thou hast cast me out this day fro3 the earth, and from thy face shall I be hid, and shalbe a vagabond, and a runnagate in the earth, and whosoeuer findeth me, shall slay me. 15 Then the Lord said vnto him, Doubtlesse whosoeuer slayeth Kain, he shalbe4 punished seue folde. And the Lord set a marke5 vpon Kain, lest any man finding him should kill him. 16 Then Kain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod towarde the Eastside of Eden.

1 He burdeneth God as a cruell iudge, because he did punish him so sharpely.2 Or, my sinne is greater then can be pardoned.3 Ebr. from off the face of.4 Not for the loue he bare to Kain, but to suppresse murther.5 Which was some visible signe of Gods iudgement, that others shoulde feare thereby.

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Douai-Rheims, 1582– 1610

VVicked Cain killeth holie Abel. 9. vvhose bloud cryeth for reuenge. 11. Cain a cursed vacabond, 17. hath much issue. 25. Adam also hath Seth, and Seth Enos. 

1 And Adam knewe Eue his wife: who conceiued and brought forth Cain, saying: I haue gotten a man through God. 2 And againe she brought forth his brother Abel. And Abel was a shepehard, & Cain a husbandman. 3 And it befel after manie dayes that Cain offred of the fruites of the earth giftes to our Lord. 4 Abel also1 offred of the first begotten of his flocke, and of their fat: and our Lord had respect to Abel, & to his giftes. 5 But to Cain, and to his giftes he had not respect: & Cain was exceeding angrie, and his countenance abated. 6 And our Lord said to him: Why art thou angrie? and why is thy countinance fallen? 7 If thou doe wel, shalt thou not receiue againe: but if thou doest il, shal not thy sinne forthwith be present at the dore? but the lust therof shal be vnder thee, and thou shalt haue dominion ouer it. 8 And Caine said to Abel his brother: Let vs goe forth abroad. And when they were in the filde, Caine rose vp against his brother Abel, and slewe him.

1 A figure of the Lambe that was slaine from the beginning of the world. Apoc. 13. v. 8.

9 And our Lord said to Cain: Where is Abel thy brother? Who answered: I know not: am I my brothers keper? 10 And he said to him: What hast thou done?2 the voice of thy brothers bloud crieth to me out of the earth. 11 Now therfore cursed shalt thou be vpon the earth, which hath opened her mouth, & receiued the bloud of thy brother at thy hand. 12 When thou shalt til it, it shal not yeld to thee her fruite: a roag and vagabound shalt thou be vpon the earth. 13 And Cain said to our Lord: Myne iniquitie is greater, then that I may deserue pardon. 14 Loe thou doest cast me out this day from the face of the earth, and from thy face shal I be hid, and I shal be a vagabound & fugitiue on the earth: euerie one therfore that findeth me, shal kil me. 15 And our Lord said to him: No, it shal not so be: but whosoeuer shal kil Cain, shalbe punished seauen fould. And our Lord put a marke on Cain, that whosoeuer found him should not kil him. 16 And Cain went forth from the face of our Lord, and dwelt as a fugitiue on the earth at the east side of Eden. ---

Annotations [Which also include side glosses and marginal references, here omitted]

1. offered giftes ] Either God him selfe taught Adam, and he his children, or els they knew by 2 VVilful murther is one of the sinnes that crie to God for reuenge.

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instinct of nature, that Sacrifice must be offered to God, to acknowledge therby his supreme dominion ouer man, and mans due subiection to his diuine Maiestie. And that not only in internal affection, which (as S. Augustin and al Catholique Doctors teach) is principally required, but also in external things, because we consist of bodie, and not only of soule, and haue, by Gods goodnes, the vse of corporal things. As here we see example in the law of nature: and the same was ordained by written precept in the law of Moyses: the Prophetes also foretold, that external sacrifice should be offered in the law of grace, and new Testament, to wit, the same which Christ instituted, and left in his Church, to continew to the end of the world. Moreouer this homage of offering Sacrifice is so peculiar to God only, that albeit manie other exterior rites and seruices are vsed both to God & men, as to be bare head, to bowe, to kneele, & the like before them, either of great humilitie (saith S. Augustin) or of pestiferous flatterie, to such as are homines colendi, venerandi, si autem eis multum additur, & adorandi: men to be vvorshipped, reverenced and of much be geuen them, adored (for this terme of adoring is also applied to men in holie Scriptures Gen. 23. v. 7, 27. v. 29) yet Sacrifice is due to God only, and to no creature how excellent so euer. In so much (saith the same Doctor) that as al nations founde it necessarie to offer Sacrifice, so none durst sacrifice to any nisi es, quem Deum aut sciuit, aut putauit,

auth finxit: but to him whom they either knew, or thought, or fained to be God.4. Had respect to Abel ] Both Cain and Abel did wel in offering external Sacrifice, but they differed much in sinceritie and maner of choosing or diuiding their oblations, touching Gods part and their owne, as S. Iustinus Martyr, S. Hierom, S. Augustin and others teach. For Abel offered of the best things, of the first begotten of his flock, and of their fatte. And therefore God respected and approued it. But to Cain and to his giftes he had not respect, because he wanted sincere deuotio[n]. VVhich differeince of Gods acceptance appeared doubtles, as S. Hierom and S. Augustin supposed, by some external signe, otherwise Cain had not vnderstood it. Most like it was by fire sent from God, which inflamed and consumed Abels Sacrifice, & not Cains. As we read of diuers other Sacrifices in holie Scriptures7. Shalt thou not receiue:] Reward of good workes, and punishment of euil are clerly proued by this place. God saying to Gain: If thou doest vvel, shalt thou not receiue againe? what els but wel for wel doing? as Abel receiued consolation of his Sacrifice wel offered. but if thou doest il, shal not thy sinne be present forth vvith at the dore?afflicting thy conscience; and not suffering thy mind to be in quiet, for remorse of thy wicked fact, and feare of iust iudgement. For hence it came that Cains countenance fel, and his stomack boyled with angre:

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punishment so beginning euen in this life; & much more in the next world our Sauiour wil render (as him selfe saith) to euery man according to his workes: which the Apostle expresseth more distinctly, eternal life, or vvrath & indignation.7· Vnder thee ] This Text so plainly sheweth freewil in man, also after his falle, that the English Protestans to auoid so clere a truth, for these wordes, the lust ther of (to wit of sinne) shal be vnder thee, and thou halt haue dominion ouer it, corruptly translate in some of their Bibles thus: Vnto thee his desire shal be subiect, and thou shalt rule ouer him. As if God had said, that Abel should be vnder Cain. As the phantastical Manichees peruerted the sense, whose absurditie S. Augustin controlleth maintayning the true construction of the wordes, Tu dominaberis illius; nunquid fratris? absit. Cuius igitur nisi pecuati? Thou shalt rule ouer: VVhat, ouer thy brother? Not so. Ouer vvhat then but sinne? In other English Editions, namely in the last, which we suppose they wil stand to, it is better, but yet obscure thus, Vnto thee shal be the desire therof, and thou shalt haue rule of it. Let vs therfore examine the sense, and if S. Hierome, the great scripture Doctor did rightly vnderstand it, God did speake to this effect to Cain: Because thou hast freevvil, I vvarne thee, that sinne haue not dominion ouer thee, but thou ouer sinne. The Hebrew hath thus: ad te appetitus eius, et tu dominaberis in eum, or, ei. Vnto thee the appetite

therof, and thou shalt rule ouer it. Thargum Hierosolomitanum concludeth Gods speach to Cain thus: Into thy hand I haue geuen povvre of thy concupiscence, and haue thou dominion therof: vvhether thou vvilt to good or to euil. The Greke hath thus: To thee is the conuersion therof, and thou shalt beare rule ouer it: to wit, appetite, lust, concupiscence is vnder thy wil. Finally, al antiquitie vniuersalitie and vniforme consent of Christian Doctors, and other lerned Philosophers, and reasonable men hold it for certaine and an euident truth, that man yea a sinner hath freewil. Yet Luther, the father of Protestants, so abhorred this truth, that he could not abide the very word, nor voutsafe (when he writ against it) to title his beastlie booke, Contra liberum arbitrium, Against freevvil: but, De seruo arbitrio. Of seruil arbitriment. And denieth that man is in aniwise free to choose, to resolue, or determine, but in al things seruil, tyed, constrained, and compelled to whatsoeuer he doth, saith, or thincketh. Further, that man in al his actio[n]s is like to a hackney, that is, forced to goe whither the rider wil haue him. And knowing the whole world against him, shameth not to confesse, that he setteth them al at naught in respect of him selfe, concluding thus: I haue not (saith he) conferred vvith anie in this booke, but I haue affirmed, and I do affirme. Neither vvil I that anie man iudge hereof, but I counsail al to obey, or yeelde to myn opinion. Caluin also for his

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part, conspireth in this heresie with Luther, but more faintly rather wisheth, then imagineth that men be so madde as to flee from the name of freewil. I (saith Caluin) neither myselfe vvould vse this vvord, and vvould vvish others, if they aske me counsaile, to abstaine from it. But we wil be bold to oppose S. Hieromes reason against Luther, Caluin, al Manichees, and others that denie freewil. God made vs (saith he) vvith freevvil, neither are vve dravven by necessitie to vertues nor to viees; othervvise vvhere is necessitie, there is neither damnation nor crovvne.16. Cain vvent forth] It is a marke of Heretikes to make breach, and goe forth of the Church. And commonly it cometh of enuie. Some runne into heresies and schismes (saith S. Cyprian) vvhen they enuie Bishops, vvhilest one either complaineth that him selfe vvas not rather ordained, or disdaineth to suffer an other aboue him. Hereupon he kicketh, hereupon he rebelleth. Enuie moued Cain to kil his brother, because his ovvne vvorkes vvere vvickedand reiected: and his brothers iust, and estemed. So going forth became obstinate, obdurate, and desperate in his sinne, and being reprobate of God, began a wicked Citie, opposite to the Citie of God. VVherfore Moyses, as S. Augustin noteth, intending to describe, and shew the perpetual continuance of Gods Citie, the true Church, from Adam, which he doth by the line of Seth to Noe, and so forward to his owne time, would not omit to tel also the

progenie of Cain, euen to the floode, wherin al his ofspring was finally drowned and destroyed, that the true Citie of God might appeare more distinct, more co[n]spicuous, & more renowmed. And that in deede the same only (and not anie broken and interrupted companies or conuenticles) might be knowen to be the true Church of God.

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King James Version, 16111 The birth, trade, and religion of Cain and Abel. 8 The murder of Abel. 9 The curse of Cain. 17 Enoch the first citie. 19 Lamech and his two wiues. 25 The birth of Seth, 26 and Enos. 

1 And Adam knew Eue his wife, and shee conceiued, and bare Cain, and said, I haue gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she againe bare his brother Abel,1 and Abel was a keeper2 of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in processe of time3 it came to passe, that Cain brought of the fruite of the ground, an offering vnto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flocke,4 and of the fat thereof: and the LORD had respect5 vnto Abel, and to his offering. 5 But vnto Cain, and to his offring he had not respect: and Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said vnto Cain, Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doe well, shalt thou not be accepted?6 and if thou doest not well, sinne lieth at the doore: And vnto thee shall be his desire,7 and thou shalt rule ouer him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to passe when

1 Heb. Hebel.2 Heb. a feeder.3 Heb. at the end of dayes.4 Heb. sheep, or goates.5 Heb.11.46 Or, haue the excellencie? 7 Or, subiect vnto thee.

they were in the field,8 that Cain rose vp against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 ¶ And the LORD said vnto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And hee said, I know not: Am I my brothers keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voyce of thy brothers blood9 cryeth vnto me, from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receiue thy brothers blood from thy hand. 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yeeld vnto thee her strength: A fugitiue and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said vnto the LORD, My punishment is greater, then I can beare.10 14 Behold, thou hast driuen me out this day from the face of the earth, and from thy face shall I be hid, and I shall be a fugitiue, and a vagabond in the earth: and it shall come to passe, that euery one that findeth me, shall slay me. 15 And the LORD said vnto him, Therefore whosoeuer slayeth Cain, vengeance shalbe taken on him seuen fold. And the LORD set a marke vpon Cain, lest any finding him, should kill him. 16 ¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the East of Eden.

8 Wis.10.3 matth.23. 35. 1. iohn 3. 12. iude 11.9 Heb. bloods10 Or, my iniquitie is greater, then that it may be forgiuen.

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Richard Challoner, 1750-

52

The history of Cain and Abel. 

1 And Adam knew Eve his wife: who conceived and brought forth Cain, saying: I have gotten a man through God. 2 And again she brought forth his brother Abel. And Abel was a shepherd, and Cain a husbandman. 3 And it came to pass after many days, that Cain offered, of the fruits of the earth, gifts to the Lord. 4 Abel also offered of the firstlings of his flock, and of their fat: and the Lord had respect1 to Abel, and to his offerings. 5 But to Cain and his offerings he had no respect: and Cain was exceeding angry, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said to him: Why art thou angry? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou do well, shalt thou not receive? but if ill, shall not sin forthwith be present at the door? but the lust thereof shall be under thee, and thou shalt have dominion over it. 8 And Cain said to Abel his brother: Let us go forth abroad. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew him. 

1 That is, shewed his acceptance of his sacrifice, (as coming from a heart full of devotion): and that, as we may suppose, by some visible token, such as sending fire from heaven upon his offerings.

9 And the Lord said to Cain: Where is thy brother Abel? And he answered: I know not: Am I my brothers keeper? 10 And he said to him: what hast thou done? the voice of thy brothers blood crieth to me from the earth. 11 Now therefore cursed shalt thou be upon the earth, which hath opened her mouth and received the blood of thy brother at thy hand. 12 When thou shalt till it, it shall not yield to thee its fruit: a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be upon the earth. 13 And Cain said to the Lord: My iniquity is greater, than that I may deserve pardon. 14 Behold thou dost cast me out this day from the face of the earth: every one therefore that findeth me, shall kill me:2 15 And the Lord said to him: No, it shall not so be: but whosoever shall kill Cain, shall be punished seven fold. And the Lord set a mark3 upon Cain, that whosoever found him should not kill him. 16 And Cain went out from the face of the Lord, and dwelt as a fugitive on the earth at the east side of Eden.2 His guilty conscience made him fear his own brothers, and nephews; of whom, by this time, there might be a good number upon the earth: which had now endured near 130 years; as may be gathered from Gen. v. 3. compared with Chap. iv. 25. Though in the compendious account given in the scripture only Cain and Abel are mentioned.3 The more common opinion of the interpreters of holy writ, supposes this mark to have been a trembling of the body; or a horror and consternation in his countenance.

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Noah Webster, 1833

1 The birth, trade, and religion of Cain and Abel. 8 The murder of Abel. 11 The curse of Cain. 17 Enoch the first city. 19 Lamech and his two wives. 25 The birth of Seth, 26 and Enos. 

1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bore Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. 2 And she again bore his brother Abel.1 And Abel was a keeper2 of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time3 it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock,4 and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect5 to Abel, and to his offering: 5 But to Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?6 and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And to thee shall be his desire,7 and thou shalt rule over him. 8 And Cain talked with Abel his

1 Heb. Hebel. 2 Heb. a feeder.3 at the end of days. 4 Heb. sheep, or goats. 5 Heb. 11. 4.6 or, have the excellency. 7 or, subject to thee. 

brother: and it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.8

9 ¶ And the Lord said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood9 crieth to me from the ground. 11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield to thee its strength: A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said to the Lord, My punishment is greater than I can bear.10

14 Behold, thou hast driven me this day from the face of the earth;11 and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it will come to pass, that every one that findeth me will slay me. 15 And the Lord said to him, Therefore whoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven-fold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 16 ¶ And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 

8 Mat. 23. 35. 1 John 3. 12. Jude 11.9 Heb. bloods. 10 My iniquity is greater than that it may be forgiven.11 of this land. 

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Revised English Version, 1881-94

Cain and Abel(Romans 2:1-16; Jude 1:3-16)

1 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD. 2 And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

Cain Murders Abel8 And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy

brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the ground; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that whosoever findeth me shall slay me. 15 And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.

16 And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

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American Standard Version, 1900

1 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man with [the help of] Jehovah. 2 And again she bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto Jehovah. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And Jehovah had respect unto Abel and to his offering:5 but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And Jehovah said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire, but do thou rule over it. 8 And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 9 And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? 10 And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 11 And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened its mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 12 when thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee its strength; a

fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth. 13 And Cain said unto Jehovah, My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the ground; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it will come to pass, that whosoever findeth me will slay me. 15 And Jehovah said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And Jehovah appointed a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.16 And Cain went out from the presence of Jehovah, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

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Jewish Publication Society, 1917

1 And the man knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bore Cain, and said: 'I have gotten a man with the help of HaShem.'2 And again she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto HaShem.4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And HaShem had respect unto Abel and to his offering;5 but unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.6 And HaShem said unto Cain: 'Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?7 If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.'8 And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.9 And HaShem said unto Cain: 'Where is Abel thy brother?' And he said: 'I know not; am I my brother's keeper?'10 And He said: 'What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto Me from the ground.

11 And now cursed art thou from the ground, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand.12 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a wanderer shalt thou be in the earth.'13 And Cain said unto HaShem: 'My punishment is greater than I can bear.14 Behold, Thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the land; and from Thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth; and it will come to pass, that whosoever findeth me will slay me.'15 And HaShem said unto him: 'Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.' And HaShem set a sign for Cain, lest any finding him should smite him.16 And Cain went out from the presence of HaShem, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.

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Revised Standard Version, 1952

1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, "I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD." 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is couching at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it." 8 Cain said to Abel his brother, "Let us go out to the field." And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is Abel your brother?" He said, "I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?" 10 And the LORD said, "What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its

strength; you shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth." 13 Cain said to the LORD, "My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, thou hast driven me this day away from the ground; and from thy face I shall be hidden; and I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will slay me." 15 Then the LORD said to him, "Not so! If any one slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who came upon him should kill him.16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

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New English Bible, 19701 The man lay with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, 'With the help of the Lord I have brought a man into being.' 2 Afterwards she had another child, his brother Abel. Abel was a shepherd and Cain a tiller of the soil. 3 The day came when Cain brought some of the produce of the soil as a gift to the Lord; 4 and Abel brought some of the first-born of his flock, the fat portions of them.1 5 The Lord received Abel and his gift with favour; but Cain and his gift he did not receive. 6 Cain was very angry and his face fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you so angry and cast down?

    7 If you do well, you are accepted;2    if not, sin is a demon crouching at the door.    It shall be eager for you, and you will be mastered by it.'3

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, 'Let us go into the open country.'4 While they were there, Cain attacked his brother Abel and murdered him. 9Then the Lord said to Cain, 'Where is your brother Abel?' Cain answered, 'I do not know.10 Am I my brother's keeper?' The Lord said, 'What have you done? Hark! your brother's blood 1 Or some of the first-born, that is the sucklings, of his flock.2 Or you hold your head up.3 Or but you must master it.4 Let us...country: so Sam.; Heb. om.

that has been shed is crying out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are accursed, and banished from5 the ground which has opened its mouth wide to receive your brother's blood, which you have shed. 12 When you till the ground, it will no longer yield you its wealth. You shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on earth.' 13 Cain said to the Lord, 'My punishment is heavier than I can bear; 14 thou hast driven me today from the ground, and I must hide myself from thy presence. I shall be a vagrant and a wanderer on earth, and anyone who meets me can kill me.' 15 The Lord answered him, 'No: if anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged seven-fold.' 

So the Lord put a mark on Cain, in order that anyone meeting him should not kill him. 16 Then Cain went out from the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod6 7to the east of Eden.

5 or more than (cp. 3. 17).6 That is Wandering.7 or and he lived as a wanderer in the land.

26

JPS Tanakh, 1985

1 Now the man knew his wive Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gained1 a male child with the help of the LORD.” 2 She then bore his brother Abel. Abel became a keeper of sheep, and Cain became a tiller of the soil. In the course of time, Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the soil; 4 and Abel, for his part, brough the choicest of the firstlings of his flock. The LORD paid heed to Abel and his offering, 5 but to Cain and his offering He paid no heed. Cain was much distressed and his face fell. 6 And the LORD said to Cain,

“Why are you distressed,And why is your face fallen?72 Surely, if you do right,There is uplift.But if you do not do rightSin couches at the door;Its urge is toward you,Yet you can be its master.”

8 Cain said to his brother Abel …3 and when they were in the field, Cain set upon his brother Abel and killed him. 9 The LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 Then He said, “What have you done? Hark, your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! 11 Therefore, you shall be more cursed than the ground,4 which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 1 Heb. qanithi, connected with “Cain.”2 Meaning of verse uncertain3 Ancient versions, including the Targum, read “Come let us go out into the field.”4 See 3.17.

If you till the soil, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. You shall become a ceaseless wanderer on earth.”

13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is too great to bear! 14 Since You have banished me this day from the soil, and I must avoid Your presence and become a restless wanderer on earth—anyone who meets me may kill me!” 15 The LORD said to him, “I promise, if anyone kills Cain, sevenfold vengeance shall be taken on him.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest anyone who met him should kill him. 16 Cain left the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

27

New Revised Standard Version, 1989

Cain Murders AbelNow the man knew his wife Eve, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, ‘I have produced1 a man with the help of the Lord.’ 2Next she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a tiller of the ground. 3In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, 5but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? 7If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.’8 Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let us go out to the field.’2 And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ He said, ‘I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ 10And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen; your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground! 11And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your 1 The verb in Heb resembles the word for Cain2 Sam Gk Syr Compare Vg: MT lacks let us go out to the field

brother’s blood from your hand. 12When you till the ground, it will no longer yield to you its strength; you will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.’ 13Cain said to the Lord, ‘My punishment is greater than I can bear! 14Today you have driven me away from the soil, and I shall be hidden from your face; I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and anyone who meets me may kill me.’ 15Then the Lord said to him, ‘Not so!3 Whoever kills Cain will suffer a sevenfold vengeance.’ And the Lord put a mark on Cain, so that no one who came upon him would kill him. 16Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod,4 east of Eden.

3 Gk Syr Vg: Heb Therefore4 That is Wandering

28

Revised English Bible, 1989

1 The man lay with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. She said, ‘With the help of the LORD I have brought into being a male child.’ 2 Afterwards she had another child, Abel. He tended the flock, and Cain worked the land. 3 In due season Cain brought some of the fruits of the earth as an offering to the LORD, 4 while Abel brought the choicest of the the firstborn of his flock. The LORD regarded Abel and his offering with favour, 5 but not Cain and his offering. Cain was furious and he glowered. 6 The LORD said to Cain,

‘Why are you angry? Why are you scowling?

7 If you do well, you hold your head up;

if not, sin is a demon crouching at the door;

it will desire you, and you will be mastered by it.’1

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, ‘Let us go out into the country.’2 Once there, Cain attacked and murdered his brother. 9 The LORD asked Cain, ‘Where is your brother Abel?’ ‘I do not know,’ Cain answered, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ 10 The LORD said, ‘What have you done? Your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are accursed and will be banished from the very ground which has opened its

1 or but you must master it2 so Samar.; Heb. omits.

mouth to receive the blood you have shed. 12 When you till the ground, it will no longer yield you its produce. You shall be a wanderer, a fugitive on the earth.’ 13 Cain said to the LORD, ‘My punishment is heavier than I can bear; 14 now you are driving me off the land, and I must hide myself from your presence. I shall be a wanderer, a fugitive on the earth, and I can be killed at sight by anyone.’ 15 The LORD answered him, ‘No: if anyone kills Cain, sevenfold vengeance will be exacted from him.’ The LORD put a mark on Cain, so that anyone happening to meet him should not kill him. Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod3 to the east of Eden.

3 that is Wandering

29

New American Standard Bible, 1995 update

Cain and AbelNow the man had relations1 with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain,2 and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the Lord.”3 2 Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 So it came about in the course of time4 that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up?5 And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” 8 Cain told6 Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my 1 Lit knew2 I.e. gotten one3 Or man, the Lord4 Lit at the end of days5 Or surely you will be accepted6 Lit said to

brother’s keeper?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 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.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! 14 Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord appointed a sign7 for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him.

16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and settled8 in the land of Nod,9 east of Eden.

7 Or set a mark on8 Lit dwelt9 I.e. wandering

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Robert Alter, The Five Books of Moses, 2004

1 And the human knew1 Eve his woman and she conceived and bore Cain, and she said, “I have got me a man with the LORD.”2 2 And she bore as well his brother, Abel,3 and Abel became a herder of sheep while Cain was a tiller of the soil. 3 And it happened in the course of time that Cain brought from the fruit of the soil an offering to the LORD. 4 And Abel too had brought from the choice firstlings of his flock, and the LORD regarded Abel and his offering 5 but He did not regard Cain and his offering, and Cain

1 The Hebrew verb suggests intimate knowledge and hence sexual possession. Amos Funkenstein notes that it is the one term for sexual intercourse associated with legitimate possession—and in a few antithetical instances, with perverse violation of legitimate possession. Given the clumsiness of modern English equivalents like “had experience of,” “cohabitated with,” “was intimate with,” and, given the familiarity of the King James Version’s literal rendering, “to know” remains the least objectionable English solution.2 Eve’s naming speech puns on the verb qanah, “to get,” “to acquire,” or perhaps, “to make,” and qayin,”Cain.” His name actually means “smith,” an etymology that will be reflected in his linear descendent Tubal-cain, the legendary first metalworker. (“Tubal” also means “smith” in Sumerian and Akkadian.) Eve, upon bringing forth the third human being, imagines herself as a kind of partner of God in man-making3 No etymology is given, but it has been proposed that the Hebrew hevel, “vapor” or “puff of air,” may be associated with his fleeting life span.

was very incensed, and his face fell.4 6 And the LORD said to Cain,

“Why are you incensed, and why is your face fallen?7 For whether you offer well, Or whether you do not,at the tent flap sin crouches and for you is its longing but you will rule over it.”5

8 And Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go out to the field.”6 And when they were in the field, Cain rose against Abel his brother7 and killed him. 9 And the

4 The widespread culture-founding story of rivalry between herdsman and farmer is recast in a patter that will dominate Genesis—the displacement of the firstborn by the younger son. If there is any other reason intimated as to why God would favor Abel’s offering and not Cain’s, it would be in the narrator’s stipulation that Abel brings the very best of his flock to God.5 This is the first of two enigmatic and probably quite archaic poems in the chapter. God’s initial words pick up the two locutions for dejection of the immediately preceding narrative report and turn them into the parallel utterances of formal verse. The first clause of verse 7 is particularly elliptic in the Hebrew, and thus any construction is no more than an educated guess. The narrative context of sacrifices may suggest that the cryptic s’eit (elsewhere, “preeminence”) might be related to mas’eit, a gift or cultic offering.6 This sentence is missing in the Masoretic Text but supplied in the Greek, Syriac, and Aramaic versions.7 In keeping with the biblical practice of using thematically fraught relational epithets, the victim of the first murder is twice called “his brother” here, and God will repeatedly refer to Abel in accusing Cain as “your brother.”

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LORD said to Cain,1 “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil. 11 And so, cursed shall you be by the soil that gaped with its mouth to take your brother’s blood from your hand.2 12 If you till the soil, it will no longer give you its strength. A restless wanderer shall you be on the earth.” 13 And Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is too great to bear. 14 Now that You have driven me this day from the soil and I must hide from Your presence, I shall be a restless wanderer on the earth and whoever finds me will kill me.”3 15

1 There are several verbal echoes of Adam’s interrogation by God and Adam’s curse, setting up a general biblical pattern in which history is seen as a cycle of approximate and significant recurrences. Adam’s being driven from the garden to till a landscape of thorn and thistle is replayed here in God’s insistence that Cain is cursed by—the preposition could also mean “of” or “from”—the soil (‘adamah) that had hitherto yielded its bounty to him. The biblical imagination is equally preoccupied with the theme of exile (this is already the second expulsion) and with the arduousness or precariousness of agriculture, a blessing that easily turns into blight.2 The image is strongly physical: a gaping mouth taking in blood from the murderer’s hand.3 This, and the subsequent report of Cain with a wife in the land of Nod, are a famous inconsistency. Either the writer was assuming knowledge of some other account of human origins involving more than a single founding family, or, because the schematic simplicity of the single nuclear-family plot impeded narrative development after Cain’s banishment, he

And the LORD said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain shall suffer sevenfold vengeance.” And the LORD set a mark4 upon Cain so that whoever found him would not slay him.

16 And Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and dwelled in the land of Nod5 east of Eden.

decided not to bother with consistency.4 It is of course a mark of protection, not a stigma as the English idiom “mark of Cain” suggests.5 Nod in Hebrew is cognate with “wanderer” in verse 12.

32

New International Version, 2011 update

4 Adam1 made love to his wife Eve, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Cain.2 She said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth3 a man.”2 Later she gave birth to his brother Abel.Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”8 Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.”4 While they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?”“I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”1 Or The man2 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for brought forth or acquired.3 Or have acquired4 Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Masoretic Text does not have “Let’s go out to the field.”

10 The Lord said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. 11 Now you are under a curse and driven from the ground, which opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.12 When you work the ground, it will no longer yield its crops for you. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.”13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is more than I can bear. 14 Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence; I will be a restless wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”15 But the Lord said to him, “Not so;5 anyone who kills Cain will suffer vengeance seven times over.” Then the Lord put a mark on Cain so that no one who found him would kill him. 16 So Cain went out from the Lord’s presenceand lived in the land of Nod,6 east of Eden.

5 Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Hebrew Very well6 Nod means wandering (see verses 12 and 14).

33

New American Bible Revised Edition, 2011

Cain and Abel.1 The man had intercourse with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, saying, “I have produced a male child with the help of the LORD.”1

2 Next she gave birth to his brother Abel. Abel became a herder of flocks, and Cain a tiller of the ground.2

3 In the course of time Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground,4 while Abel, for his part, brought the fatty portion3 of the firstlings of his flock.4 The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering,5 but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry and dejected.

1 The Hebrew name qayin (“Cain”) and the term qaniti (“I have produced”) present a wordplay that refers to metalworking; such wordplays are frequent in Genesis.2 Some suggest the story reflects traditional strife between the farmer (Cain) and the nomad (Abel), with preference for the latter reflecting the alleged nomadic ideal of the Bible. But there is no disparagement of farming here, for Adam was created to till the soil. The story is about two brothers (the word “brother” occurs seven times) and God’s unexplained preference for one, which provokes the first murder. The motif of the preferred younger brother will occur time and again in the Bible, e.g., Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and David (1 Sm 16:1–13).3 Fatty portion: it was standard practice to offer the fat portions of animals. Others render, less satisfactorily, “the choicest of the firstlings.” The point is not that Abel gave a more valuable gift than Cain, but that God, for reasons not given in the text, accepts the offering of Abel and rejects that of Cain.4  Ex 34:19; Heb 11:4.

6 Then the LORD said to Cain: Why are you angry? Why are you dejected?7 If you act rightly, you will be accepted;5 but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.6

8 Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out in the field.”7 When they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him.8

9 Then the LORD asked Cain, Where is your brother Abel? He answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”10 God then said: What have you done? Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!11 Now you are banned from the ground9 that opened its mouth to 5  You will be accepted: the text is extraordinarily condensed and unclear. “You will be accepted” is a paraphrase of one Hebrew word, “lifting.” God gives a friendly warning to Cain that his right conduct will bring “lifting,” which could refer to acceptance (lifting) of his future offerings or of himself (as in the Hebrew idiom “lifting of the face”) or lifting up of his head in honor (cf. note on 40:13), whereas wicked conduct will make him vulnerable to sin, which is personified as a force ready to attack. In any case, Cain has the ability to do the right thing. Lies in wait: sin is personified as a power that “lies in wait” (Heb. robes) at a place. In Mesopotamian religion, a related word (rabisu) refers to a malevolent god who attacks human beings in particular places like roofs or canals.6 Sir 7:1; Jude 11.7  Let us go out in the field: to avoid detection. The verse presumes a sizeable population which Genesis does not otherwise explain.8 Wis 10:3; Mt 23:35; Lk 11:51; 1 Jn 3:12; Jude 11.9 Banned from the ground: lit., “cursed.” The verse refers back to 3:17 where the ground was cursed so that it yields its produce only with great effort. Cain has polluted the soil with his brother’s blood and it will no longer yield any of its produce to him.

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receive your brother’s blood from your hand.1

12 If you till the ground, it shall no longer give you its produce. You shall become a constant wanderer on the earth.13 Cain said to the LORD: “My punishment is too great to bear.14 Look, you have now banished me from the ground. I must avoid you and be a constant wanderer on the earth. Anyone may kill me at sight.”15 Not so! the LORD said to him. If anyone kills Cain, Cain shall be avenged seven times. So the LORD put a mark2 on Cain, so that no one would kill him at sight.16 Cain then left the LORD’s presence and settled in the land of Nod,3 east of Eden.

1 Dt 27:24.2  A mark: probably a tattoo to mark Cain as protected by God. The use of tattooing for tribal marks has always been common among the Bedouin of the Near Eastern deserts.3 The land of Nod: a symbolic name (derived from the verb nûd, to wander) rather than a definite geographic region.