Genesis 4:12

4:12 When you try to cultivate29 the

ground it will no longer yield30 its best31 for you. You will be a homeless wanderer32 on the earth.”

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29	tn Heb “work.”
30	tn 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.
31	tn Heb “its strength.”
32	tn 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).