OET interlinear GEN 4:2

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-pronouns

וַ⁠תֹּ֣סֶף לָ⁠לֶ֔דֶת

and=she/it_added to=give_birth

The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. Cain and Abel may have been twins, or Abel may have been born sometime later after Eve became pregnant again. If possible, translate verse 2 in a way that allows for either interpretation. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to use a pronoun or a noun to refer to Eve here. Alternate translation: “Then she also gave birth to” or “After that, Eve gave birth to”

Note 2 topic: translate-kinship

אֶת אָחִ֖י⁠ו

DOM his/its=woman

Some languages have a specific term for “younger brother” that can be used here. Do what is best in your language.

אֶת הָ֑בֶל

DOM DOM Heⱱel/(Abel)

Alternate translation: “whose name was Abel.”

Note 3 topic: grammar-connect-time-background

וַֽ⁠יְהִי הֶ֨בֶל֙

and=he/it_was Heⱱel/(Abel)

This sentence introduces background information for what happens next. Consider what is the best way to begin this sentence in your language. Also, It is implied here that the boys had grown up to be adults. If necessary, you could make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now when the boys had grown up, Abel”

רֹ֣עֵה צֹ֔אן

herding_of flock_of_sheep/goats

A flock can be a large group of sheep or goats, or a mixture of both. Alternate translation: “was a keeper of sheep,” or “was a shepherd,” or “raised sheep and goats,”

Note 4 topic: grammar-connect-logic-contrast

וְ⁠קַ֕יִן

and=Qayin/(Cain)

Consider what is the best way in your language to contrast Cain and his work with Abel and his work. Alternate translation: “but Cain”

הָיָ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ד אֲדָמָֽה

it_became tilling_of soil/ground

Cain raised crops, not animals. See how you translated a similar phrase (“work the ground”) in Gen 2:5. Alternate translation: “was a tiller of the soil.” or “was a crop farmer.” or “grew food crops.”