Understanding the Genesis 4:4 Translation: Does the YLT Translate Accurately?

The interpretation and translation of Genesis 4:4 have been a matter of much debate. The Young Literal Translation (YLT) and the English Standard Version (ESV) are two translations that are often compared in this context. While the ESV is generally considered to be closer to the Hebrew in terms of literalness, an in-depth scrutiny reveals the complex nuances that underlie this scripture and its broader theological implications.

Comparing YLT and ESV

When examining Genesis 4:4 through the lens of the YLT and the ESV, one can observe that the YLT translates the verse as follows:

YLT Genesis 4:4 - And Abraham did build an altar there, and did call on the name of YHWH who provided the ram, the lamb for a burnt-offering in place of his son.

In contrast, the ESV renders the verse as:

ESV Genesis 4:4 - And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering,

Despite these differences, it is important to recognize that the original Hebrew does not provide as clear a translation in English. A word-for-word comparison would reveal the exact Hebrew text, which may not directly correlate with the English translations. This is why many translators, including myself, tend to translate based on the intended meaning and context rather than a strict word-for-word approach.

Theological Implications

The controversy over God's rejection of Cain's offering is deeply rooted in understanding the original intention of the sacrifices commanded by God. This understanding is encapsulated in the broader theological context provided by John 3:17-18 and Hebrews 10.

John 3:17-18

According to John 3:17-18, Jesus did not come to condemn the world but to save it. Those who believe in Him are not condemned, while those who do not believe are condemned because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This passage emphasizes the significance of faith in Jesus Christ as a means of salvation.

Hebrews 10

The Book of Hebrews also addresses the issue of sacrifices and atonement. In Hebrews 10:1-18, it is stated that the law, with its shadows and symbols, could not permanently remove sins. It is only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ that sins can truly be atoned for. The passage from Hebrews 10:1-18 provides the following insights:

For the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered, because the worshippers would have been cleansed once for all? But as it is, they are continually made to feel guilty of sins.
But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. This is why, when Christ came into the world, he said, 'Sacrifices and offerings you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, "Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God."

After saying above, 'Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin offerings you desired not, nor were pleased with,' (which are offered according to the law), then he added, 'See, I have come to do your will.' He cancels the first in order to establish the second. By this will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

The text indicates that God did not delight in the mere burnt offerings and sacrifices but rather in the obedience and faith of His servants. Cain's failure to understand this important aspect led to his offering being rejected. The structure of the narrative clearly shows that God sought a wholehearted dedication and faith, which is why He rejected Cain's offering.

The Role of Sacrifice and Faith

The role of sacrifice in the history of salvation is multifaceted. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were meant to be tokens of acknowledgment for sins until the time of the ultimate sacrifice, which is Jesus Christ. Through these sacrifices, sin could be temporarily atoned for, but the ultimate atonement required the blood of Jesus. By obliterating the cycle of sacrifice and offering, the New Covenant allows for a permanent forgiveness of sins for those who repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

The primary requirement in the New Covenant is faith in Jesus Christ and a willingness to repent of one's sins. This is captured in Hebrews 8:11-12: For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. This verse emphasizes a radical shift in the relationship between God and humanity, moving away from the repetitive cycle of sacrifices and towards a new reality where sin is forgiven and remembered no more.

Conclusion

The YLT's rendering of Genesis 4:4 may not be the most literal translation, but it does capture the context and theological significance of the verse. The controversy over Cain's offering is rooted in the failure to understand the deeper theological principles of sacrifice and faith. By recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, we understand that God’s requirements have fundamentally changed, and all who repent and trust in Him find salvation and forgiveness.

For further understanding, it is essential to study the entire biblical context, particularly Hebrews 10 and John 3:17-18. These passages provide a comprehensive view of the role of faith and sacrifice in the plan of salvation.