Genesis 4:10

New English Translation

¹⁰But the Lord said, “What have you done?^[a] The voice^[b] of your brother’s blood is crying out to me from the ground!

Genesis 4:10 sn What have you done? Again the Lord’s question is rhetorical (see Gen 3:13), condemning Cain for his sin.
Genesis 4:10 tn The word “voice” is a personification; the evidence of Abel’s shed blood condemns Cain, just as a human eyewitness would testify in court. For helpful insights, see G. von Rad, Biblical Interpretations in Preaching; and L. Morris, “The Biblical Use of the Term ‘Blood,’” JTS 6 (1955/56): 77-82.

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)