Genesis 4:12

New English Translation

¹²When you try to cultivate^[a] the ground it will no longer yield^[b] its best^[c] for you. You will be a homeless wanderer^[d] on the earth.”

Genesis 4:12 tn Heb “work.”
Genesis 4:12 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.
Genesis 4:12 tn Heb “its strength.”
Genesis 4:12 tn Two similar sounding synonyms are used here: נָע וָנָד (naʿ 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).

New English Translation (NET)