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Genesis 4:5,6,14,16 – NASB vs. HCSB vs. ESV
In the name of readability, English translations sometimes lose something in the translation. When Cain’s offering was not accepted, his “face” (literally) fell (Genesis 4:5). The NASB says, “his countenance fell.” The HCSB says “he was downcast” (2004) and “he looked despondent.” The ESV is the best translation, “his face fell.”
This same Hebrew word (pânı̂ym / pâneh) is used in 4:14, 16 where the NASB translates it “face” (v.14) but switches to “presence” (v.16).
NASB 4:14 “Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and… 4:16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
The HCSB leaves out the first used of face with reference to the ground and simply says, “banishing.” In vv.14 and 16 with reference to the God, it translates it as “presence.”
Genesis 4:14-16 HCSB Since You are banishing me today from the soil, and I must hide myself from Your presence and become a restless wanderer on the earth, whoever finds me will kill me.” (16) Then Cain went out from the LORD’s presence and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
The ESV leaves out the first use of “face” with reference to the ground, keeps it literally in reference to God in v.14, but changes it to presence in v.16.
Genesis 4:14-16 ESV Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” (16) Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
What each version should have done is kept the literally meaning, “face,” because it gives it both balance and accuracy. Cain’s face fell, which means his is looking down, leading to the face of the earth being cursed and then being driven from the face of God, which means God is looking away and Cain is looking away from God.
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