Genesis 4:7
New International Version
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

New Living Translation
You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”

English Standard Version
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Berean Standard Bible
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”

King James Bible
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

New King James Version
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

New American Standard Bible
If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

NASB 1995
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

NASB 1977
“If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is lying at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Amplified Bible
If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.”

Christian Standard Bible
If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

American Standard Version
If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be its desire; but do thou rule over it.

Contemporary English Version
If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling. But you did the wrong thing, and now sin is waiting to attack you like a lion. Sin wants to destroy you, but don't let it!

English Revised Version
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door: and unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
If you do well, won't you be accepted? But if you don't do well, sin is lying outside your door ready to attack. It wants to control you, but you must master it."

Good News Translation
If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it."

International Standard Version
If you do what is appropriate, you'll be accepted, won't you? But if you don't do what is appropriate, sin is crouching near your doorway, turning toward you. Now as for you, will you take dominion over it?"

Majority Standard Bible
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”

NET Bible
Is it not true that if you do what is right, you will be fine? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. It desires to dominate you, but you must subdue it."

New Heart English Bible
If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you do not do well, sin lies in wait at the door. It desires to control you, but you must rule over it."

Webster's Bible Translation
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And to thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.

World English Bible
If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Is there not, if you do well, acceptance? And if you do not do well, sin [[or a sin-offering]] is lying at the opening, and its [[or His]] desire [is] for you, and you rule over it [[or by Him]].”

Young's Literal Translation
Is there not, if thou dost well, acceptance? and if thou dost not well, at the opening a sin-offering is crouching, and unto thee its desire, and thou rulest over it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
If thou shalt do well thou shalt be lifted up; and if thou shalt not do well, sin lies at the entrance; and to thee his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
If thou do well, shalt thou not receive? but if ill, shall not sin forthwith be present at the door? but the lust thereof shall be under thee, and thou shalt have dominion over it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
If you behave well, will you not receive? But if you behave badly, will not sin at once be present at the door? And so its desire will be within you, and you will be dominated by it.”

New American Bible
If you act rightly, you will be accepted; but if not, sin lies in wait at the door: its urge is for you, yet you can rule over it.

New Revised Standard Version
If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Behold, if you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. You should return to your brother, and he shall be subject to you.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Behold, if you do right, I accept it, and if you will not do right, sin lies in wait before the door; you are going to be converted to it and it will have authority over you.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
If thou doest well, shall it not be lifted up? and if thou doest not well, sin coucheth at the door; and unto thee is its desire, but thou mayest rule over it.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Hast thou not sinned if thou hast brought it rightly, but not rightly divided it? be still, to thee shall be his submission, and thou shalt rule over him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Cain and Abel
6“Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? 7If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.”

Cross References
James 1:14-15
But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Romans 6:12-14
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. / Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. / For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

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.

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 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Romans 7:15-20
I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do. But what I hate, I do. / And if I do what I do not want to do, I admit that the law is good. / In that case, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. ...

Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. / For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want.

Matthew 5:22
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.

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.

Ephesians 4:26-27
“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.

Proverbs 4:23
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.

Jeremiah 17:9
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Isaiah 1:19-20
If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16
See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster. / For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and increase, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land that you are entering to possess.

Psalm 19:13
Keep Your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed of great transgression.


Treasury of Scripture

If you do well, shall you not be accepted? and if you do not well, sin lies at the door. And to you shall be his desire, and you shall rule over him.

If thou doest well.

Genesis 19:21
And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

2 Samuel 24:23
All these things did Araunah, as a king, give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the king, The LORD thy God accept thee.

2 Kings 8:28
And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

be accepted.

Job 29:4
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;

Proverbs 21:27
The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

sin.

Genesis 4:8-13
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him…

Romans 7:8,9
But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead…

James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

unto thee, or, subject unto thee.

Genesis 3:16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

Jump to Previous
Acceptance Accepted Coucheth Couching Countenance Crouches Crouching Desire Desires Desiring Door Honour Lifted Master Mayest Opening Right Rule Rulest Sin Sin-Offering Waiting Wrong
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Acceptance Accepted Coucheth Couching Countenance Crouches Crouching Desire Desires Desiring Door Honour Lifted Master Mayest Opening Right Rule Rulest Sin Sin-Offering Waiting Wrong
Genesis 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.














If you do what is right
The phrase "do what is right" in Hebrew is "הֲלוֹא אִם־תֵּיטִיב" (ha'lo im-teitiv), which implies acting in accordance with God's will and moral standards. The concept of righteousness is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where it is not merely about following rules but living in a way that reflects God's character. This phrase challenges believers to align their actions with divine principles, emphasizing that righteousness is a choice that leads to divine favor.

will you not be accepted?
The Hebrew word for "accepted" is "שְׂאֵת" (se'et), which can also mean "lifted up" or "exalted." This suggests that doing what is right elevates one's standing before God. In the context of Cain and Abel, it implies that God looks favorably upon those who live righteously. This acceptance is not just a passive acknowledgment but an active lifting up, a divine endorsement of one's life choices.

But if you refuse to do what is right
The refusal to do what is right is a conscious decision to turn away from God's path. This phrase highlights the human capacity for free will and the moral responsibility that comes with it. The Hebrew word "תֵּיטִיב" (teitiv) is used again, emphasizing the deliberate choice involved in rejecting righteousness. This serves as a warning that turning away from God's ways has serious consequences.

sin is crouching at your door
The imagery of sin "crouching" is powerful, suggesting a predatory animal ready to pounce. The Hebrew word "רֹבֵץ" (rovets) conveys a sense of lurking danger, emphasizing the ever-present threat of sin. This metaphor illustrates the deceptive and aggressive nature of sin, which seeks to invade and dominate one's life. It serves as a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers face and the vigilance required to resist temptation.

it desires you
The Hebrew word "תְּשׁוּקָתוֹ" (teshuqato) is used here, which can mean "desire" or "longing." This word is also used in Genesis 3:16, indicating a strong, almost overpowering urge. In this context, it personifies sin as having an intense craving to control and consume. This highlights the personal and relational aspect of sin, which seeks to disrupt one's relationship with God.

but you must master it
The call to "master" sin is a call to spiritual discipline and self-control. The Hebrew word "תִּמְשָׁל־בּוֹ" (timshal-bo) implies dominion and authority. This echoes the dominion mandate given to humanity in Genesis 1:28, suggesting that just as humans are to rule over creation, they are also to exercise authority over sin. This is an empowering message, affirming that through God's strength, believers can overcome the power of sin in their lives.

(7) If thou doest well.--This most difficult verse is capable of a satisfactory interpretation, provided that we refuse to admit into this ancient narrative the ideas of a subsequent age. Literally, the words mean, If thou doest well, is there not lifting up? It had just been said that his countenance fell; and this lifting up is often elsewhere applied to the countenance. (Comp. Job 10:15; Job 11:15.) "Instead, then, of thy present gloomy despondent mood, in which thou goest about with downcast look, thou shalt lift up thy head, and have peace and good temper beaming in thine eyes as the result of a quiet conscience." The second half of the verse is capable of two meanings. First: "if thou doest not well, sin lieth (croucheth as a beast of prey) at the door, and its desire is to thee, to make thee its victim; but thou shalt rule over it, and overcome the temptation." The objection to this is: that while sin is feminine, the verb and pronouns are masculine. There are, indeed, numerous instances of a verb masculine with a noun feminine, but the pronouns are fatal, though most Jewish interpreters adopt this feeble explanation. The other interpretation is: "If thou doest not well, sin croucheth at the door, that is, lies dangerously near thee, and puts thee in peril. Beware, therefore, and stand on thy guard; and then his desire shall be unto thee, and thou shalt rule over him. At present thou art vexed and envious because thy younger brother is rich and prosperous, while thy tillage yields thee but scanty returns. Do well, and the Divine blessing will rest on thee, and thou wilt recover thy rights of primogeniture, and thy brother will look up to thee in loving obedience." (Comp. the loving subjection of the wife in Genesis 3:16.)

We have in this verse proof of a struggle in Cain's conscience. Abel was evidently outstripping him in wealth; his flocks were multiplying, and possibly his younger brothers were attaching themselves to him in greater numbers than to Cain. Moreover, there was a more marked moral growth in him, and his virtue and piety were more attractive than Cain's harsher disposition. This had led to envy and malice on the part of Cain, increased, doubtless, by the favour of God shown to Abel's sacrifice; but he seems to have resisted these evil feelings. Jehovah would not have remonstrated thus kindly with him had he been altogether reprobate. Possibly, too, for a time he prevailed over his evil tempers. It is a gratuitous assumption that the murder followed immediately upon the sacrifice. The words of the Almighty rather show that repentance was still possible, and that Cain might still recover the Divine favour, and thereby regain that pre-eminence which was his by right of primogeniture, but which he felt that he was rapidly losing by Abel's prosperity and more loving ways.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you do what is right,
תֵּיטִיב֙ (tê·ṭîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

{will}
הֲל֤וֹא (hă·lō·w)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

you not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

be accepted?
שְׂאֵ֔ת (śə·’êṯ)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7613: An elevation, leprous scab, elation, cheerfulness, exaltation in rank, character

But if
וְאִם֙ (wə·’im)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

you refuse to do what is right,
תֵיטִ֔יב (ṯê·ṭîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

sin
חַטָּ֣את (ḥaṭ·ṭāṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender

is crouching
רֹבֵ֑ץ (rō·ḇêṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7257: To crouch, be implication, to recline, repose, brood, lurk, imbed

at your door;
לַפֶּ֖תַח (lap·pe·ṯaḥ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6607: An opening, door, entrance way

you are
וְאֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ (wə·’ê·le·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

its object of desire,
תְּשׁ֣וּקָת֔וֹ (tə·šū·qā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8669: A longing

but you
וְאַתָּ֖ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

must master
תִּמְשָׁל־ (tim·šāl-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 4910: To rule, have dominion, reign

it.”
בּֽוֹ׃ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Law: Genesis 4:7 If you do well will it not (Gen. Ge Gn)
Genesis 4:6
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