New International Reader's Version

Genesis 4:5-14 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

5. But he wasn't pleased with Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry. His face was sad.

6. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why are you looking so sad?

7. Do what is right. Then you will be accepted. If you don't do what is right, sin is waiting at your door to grab you. It longs to have you. But you must rule over it."

8. Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." So they went out. There 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 supposed to look after my brother?"

10. The Lord said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground.

11. "So I am putting a curse on you. I am driving you away from the ground. It has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.

12. When you work the ground, it will not produce its crops for you anymore. You will be a restless person who wanders around on the earth."

13. Cain said to the Lord, "You are punishing me more than I can take.

14. Today you are driving me away from the land. I will be hidden from you. I'll be a restless person who wanders around on the earth. Anyone who finds me will kill me."