Genesis 4:12 net — When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the e…

NET Bible

"When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”"

— Genesis 4:12, NET Bible

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Genesis 4:12 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Genesis 4 — Context

9

Then the LORD said to Cain,“Where is your brother Abel?” And he replied,“I don’t know! Am I my brother’s guardian?”

10

But the LORD said,“What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground!

11

So now, you are banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

12

When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”

13

Then Cain said to the LORD,“My punishment is too great to endure!

14

Look! You are driving me off the land today, and I must hide from your presence. I will be a homeless wanderer on the earth; whoever finds me will kill me.”

15

But the LORD said to him,“All right then, if anyone kills Cain, Cain will be avenged seven times as much.” Then the LORD put a special mark on Cain so that no one who found him would strike him down.

Genesis 4:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Genesis 4:12 say?
Genesis 4:12 in the NET Bible reads: “When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.””
Where is Genesis 4:12 in the Bible?
Genesis 4:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Genesis, chapter 4, verse 12.
Who wrote Genesis?
Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses (traditional). Anciently attributed to Moses; many modern scholars view Genesis as a compilation of older oral and written sources finalized in or after the Babylonian exile. It was written c. 1446–1406 BC.
What is the book of Genesis about?
Genesis is the book of beginnings — the origin of the universe, humanity, sin, and the covenant family God chose to bless the nations. It traces creation, the fall, the flood, and the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, laying the foundation for the rest of Scripture and pointing forward to the redemption that comes through the promised seed.
What are the major themes of Genesis?
Genesis explores themes including Creation, Fall, Covenant, Faith, Family, Promise. These themes shape the meaning and context of Genesis 4:12.
What translation should I read Genesis 4:12 in?
Genesis 4:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Genesis 4:12?
Genesis 4:12 reads (NET): “When you try to cultivate the ground it will no longer yield its best for you. You will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2