Gen 4:12 | NETfull | STEP | 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

12 When you try to cultivate ^{▼▼ Heb “work.”} the

ground it will no longer yield ^{▼▼ Heb “it will not again (תֹסֵף, tosef) give (תֵּת, tet),” meaning the ground will no longer yield. In translation the infinitive becomes the main verb, and the imperfect verb form becomes adverbial.} its best ^{▼▼ Heb “its strength.”} for you. You will be a homeless wanderer ^{▼▼ Two similar sounding synonyms are used here: נָע וָנָד (na’ vanad, “a wanderer and a fugitive”). This juxtaposition of synonyms emphasizes the single idea. In translation one can serve as the main description, the other as a modifier. Other translation options include “a wandering fugitive” and a “ceaseless wanderer” (cf. NIV).} on the earth.”