Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” New Living Translation Afterward the LORD asked Cain, “Where is your brother? Where is Abel?” “I don’t know,” Cain responded. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” English Standard Version Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Berean Standard Bible And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” King James Bible And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? New King James Version Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” New American Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” NASB 1995 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” NASB 1977 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Legacy Standard Bible Then Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Amplified Bible Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he [lied and] said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Christian Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel? ” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s guardian? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?"” I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s guardian?” American Standard Version And Jehovah said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? Contemporary English Version Afterwards the LORD asked Cain, "Where is Abel?" "How should I know?" he answered. "Am I supposed to look after my brother?" English Revised Version And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? GOD'S WORD® Translation The LORD asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he answered. "Am I supposed to take care of my brother?" Good News Translation The LORD asked Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" He answered, "I don't know. Am I supposed to take care of my brother?" International Standard Version Later, the LORD asked Cain, "Where's your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he answered. "Am I my brother's guardian?" Majority Standard Bible And the LORD said to Cain, ?Where is your brother Abel?? ?I do not know!? he answered. ?Am I my brother?s keeper?? NET Bible Then the LORD said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" And he replied, "I don't know! Am I my brother's guardian?" New Heart English Bible Then God said to Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?" He said, "I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper?" Webster's Bible Translation And the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? World English Bible Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd YHWH says to Cain, “Where [is] your brother Abel?” And he says, “I have not known; am I my brother’s keeper?” Young's Literal Translation And Jehovah saith unto Cain, 'Where is Abel thy brother?' and he saith, 'I have not known; my brother's keeper -- I?' Smith's Literal Translation And Jehovah will say to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? and he will say, I know not: am I my brother's watcher? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Lord said to Cain: Where is thy brother Abel? And he answered, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? Catholic Public Domain Version And the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” And he responded: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” New American Bible Then the LORD asked Cain, Where is your brother Abel? He answered, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” New Revised Standard Version Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I do not know. Am I my brother's keeper? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And LORD JEHOVAH said to Qayn, “Where is Habyl your brother?” And he said, “I do not know, for am I my brother’s keeper? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the LORD said unto Cain: 'Where is Abel thy brother?' And he said: 'I know not; am I my brother's keeper?' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Lord God said to Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? and he said, I know not, am I my brother's keeper? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Cain Murders Abel8Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10“What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.… Cross References Matthew 23:35 And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead. 1 John 3:12 Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. Luke 11:51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, all of it will be charged to this generation. Hebrews 12:24 to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. 1 John 3:11-12 This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. / Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous. Jude 1:11 Woe to them! They have traveled the path of Cain; they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam; they have perished in Korah’s rebellion. Matthew 5:21-22 You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ / But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. Romans 12:19 Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” James 4:2 You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. Proverbs 28:13 He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. Ezekiel 3:18-19 If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood. / But if you warn a wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness and his wicked way, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved yourself. Isaiah 1:15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood. Jeremiah 2:35 you say, ‘I am innocent. Surely His anger will turn from me.’ Behold, I will judge you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ Psalm 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. Treasury of Scripture And the LORD said to Cain, Where is Abel your brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? Where is. Genesis 3:9-11 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? … Psalm 9:12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble. I know. Genesis 37:32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and they brought it to their father; and said, This have we found: know now whether it be thy son's coat or no. Job 22:13,14 And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud? … Psalm 10:13,14 Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it… Jump to Previous Abel Brother's Cain Idea KeeperJump to Next Abel Brother's Cain Idea KeeperGenesis 4 1. The birth, occupation, and offerings of Cain and Abel.8. Cain murders his brother Abel. 11. The curse of Cain. 17. Has a son called Enoch, and builds a city, which he calls after his name. 18. His descendants, with Lamech and his two wives. 25. The birth of Seth, 26. and Enos. And the LORD said to Cain, This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Cain, highlighting the personal nature of God's interactions with humanity. It reflects God's omniscience and His role as a moral authority. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) emphasizes God's covenantal relationship with humanity, which is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This interaction follows the murder of Abel, showing God's immediate involvement in human affairs and His concern for justice. “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Persons / Places / Events 1. CainThe firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who becomes the first murderer by killing his brother Abel out of jealousy and anger. 2. Abel The second son of Adam and Eve, a shepherd whose offering was favored by God, leading to his murder by Cain. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) God, who questions Cain about Abel's whereabouts, highlighting His omniscience and moral authority. 4. The Field The place where Cain lures Abel and commits the murder, symbolizing isolation and premeditation. 5. The Question God's inquiry, "Where is your brother Abel?" serves as a divine call to accountability and moral responsibility. Teaching Points Moral ResponsibilityWe are accountable for our actions and their impact on others. Cain's question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" challenges us to consider our responsibility toward others. God's Omniscience God knows our actions and intentions. His question to Cain is not for information but to prompt self-reflection and repentance. The Consequences of Sin Sin leads to separation from God and others. Cain's actions resulted in a curse and alienation, illustrating the destructive nature of sin. The Importance of Repentance Cain's failure to confess and repent highlights the need for humility and seeking God's forgiveness. Brotherly Love We are called to love and care for one another, as emphasized in the New Testament, contrasting with Cain's indifference and hostility.(9) And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother?--It is the beauty of these early narratives that the dealings of the Deity with mankind are all clothed in an anthropomorphic form, for the reasons of which see Note on Genesis 2:7. It seems, then, that Cain at first went away, scarcely conscious of the greatness of his crime. He had asserted his rights, had suppressed the usurpation of his privileges by the younger son, and if he had used force it was his brother's fault for resisting him. So Jacob afterwards won the birthright by subtilty, and would have paid the same fearful penalty but for timely flight, and rich presents afterwards. But Cain could not quiet his conscience; remorse tracked his footsteps; and when in the household Abel came not, and the question was asked, Where is Abel? the voice of God repeated it in his own heart, Where is Abel, thy brother!--brother still, and offspring of the same womb, even if too prosperous. But the strong-willed man resists. What has he to do with Abel? Is he "his brother's keeper?"Verse 9. - And the Lord said unto Cain. "Probably soon after the event, at the next time of sacrifice, and at the usual place of offering" (Bonar). Where is Abel thy brother? "A question fitted to go straight to the murderer's conscience, and no less fitted to rouse his wrathful jealousy, as showing how truly Abel was the beloved one" (ibid). Whether spoken by Adam (Luther), or whispered within his breast by the still small voice of conscience, or, as is most probable, uttered from between the cherubim, Cain felt that he was being examined by a Divine voice (Calvin). And (in reply) he said (adding falsehood, effrontery, and even profanity to murder), I know not: am I my brother's keeper? The inquiry neither of ignorance nor of innocence, but the desperate resort of one who felt himself closely tracked by avenging justice and about to be convicted of his crime. "He showeth himself alyer in saying, 'I know not; wicked and profane in thinking he could hide his sin from God; unjust in denying himself to be his brother's keeper; obstinate and desperate in not confessing his sin" (Willet; cf. Psalm 10.). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And the LORDיְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Cain, קַ֔יִן (qa·yin) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7014: Cain -- a city in southern Judah “Where אֵ֖י (’ê) Interrogative Strong's 335: Where?, how? [is] your brother אָחִ֑יךָ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) Abel?” הֶ֣בֶל (he·ḇel) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1893: Abel -- the second son of Adam “I אָנֹֽכִי׃ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 595: I do not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no know!” יָדַ֔עְתִּי (yā·ḏa‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 3045: To know he answered. וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “[Am] I my brother’s אָחִ֖י (’ā·ḥî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 251: A brother, ) keeper?” הֲשֹׁמֵ֥ר (hă·šō·mêr) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to Links Genesis 4:9 NIVGenesis 4:9 NLT Genesis 4:9 ESV Genesis 4:9 NASB Genesis 4:9 KJV Genesis 4:9 BibleApps.com Genesis 4:9 Biblia Paralela Genesis 4:9 Chinese Bible Genesis 4:9 French Bible Genesis 4:9 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 4:9 Yahweh said to Cain Where is Abel (Gen. 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