Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

Here is the rewritten chapter:

Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she became pregnant. She gave birth to Cain, saying, "With God's help, I've gotten a man." Later, Cain brought some fruit from the ground as an offering to the Lord.

Abel also brought some of the firstborn animals from his flock, along with their fat. The Lord was pleased with Abel's offering, but not with Cain's. Cain became angry and sullen because his offering had been rejected. The Lord asked Cain, "Why are you so upset? Why has your face fallen?"

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted?" the Lord asked. But sin was lurking at Cain's doorstep, eager to control him. He needed to rule over it.

Cain and Abel were in a field when Cain rose up against his brother and killed him. The Lord asked Cain, "Where is your brother, Abel?"

"I don't know," Cain replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?" The voice of Abel's blood cried out from the ground, accusing Cain.

Now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to swallow your brother's blood," the Lord said. When you work the land, it will no longer produce for you. You'll be a fugitive and wanderer on the earth.

Cain felt that his punishment was too severe. He complained, "You've banished me from the earth today, and I'll be hidden from your presence. Anyone who finds me will kill me." The Lord replied, "Anyone who kills Cain will face sevenfold vengeance."

The Lord marked Cain to protect him. But Cain left the Lord's presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. He knew his wife and had a son named Enoch. Cain built a city, naming it after his son.

Enoch had a son named Irad, who became the father of Mehujael, Methusael, and Lamech. Lamech took two wives, Adah and Zillah. Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the ancestor of those who lived in tents and raised cattle.

Jabal's brother, Jubal, was the father of all who played the lyre and pipe. Zillah had a son named Tubalcain, an expert craftsman in bronze and iron, as well as a sister named Naamah.

Lamech said to his wives, "Listen to my voice! If anyone kills Cain, it will be sevenfold revenge; if anyone kills Lamech, it will be seventy-sevenfold." Adam knew Eve again, and she gave birth to Seth. She said, "God has given me another child in place of Abel, whom Cain killed."

Seth had a son named Enos. It was during his time that people began calling on the name of the Lord.