Help!

I am a beginner and I just cannot get my head around this part of the pattern
How can I have 46 sts left after casting off 4 when I currently have 47 sts?

Welcome to KH!
What is the name of your pattern and designer? You’re making the first size for a girl or boy?
Where exactly are you in these directions? At the part following “For a girl or boy”?

Thank you for replying. I am making first size for a boy and I’m currently at the part ‘for a girl or boy’

I’m wondering if the second direction to cast off 4sts is a mistake. You’ve worked the first cast off under “For a boy” and I’m figuring that that leaves you with 46sts (ok if it’s 47 and just one stitch off somewhere).
For all the sizes, the following directions make sense if you don’t work that second cast off of 4sts. Instead just work in pattern across the row, turn and work the next row (the one ending p2). Then start the raglan decrease under the Work 13 rows etc.

One way to check is to look at the decreases for the armholes on the back of the sweater. Do you decrease 4sts twice on each side on the back, in other words 8sts decreased on each side or a total of 16sts decreased?

It looks like this is knit in pieces and so the first cast off is for the underarm. The ‘for a girl / for a boy’ row is solely about the pocket placement.
If in pieces, you’ll need the second 4 stitch cast off for the opposite underarm.
Are you confident that your stitch count was correct before you got to this part of the pattern?
Did the size of your front match the back?

Isn’t the second cast off for the opposite armpit? I read the instructions as casting off 4 once on each side.

You’re right, Mel61. Thank you for picking up on that. I was looking at the front placket or opening but the directions clearly aren’t there yet (see upcoming directions to “Divide for front opening”).
Sorry for the confusion, @Kerry_Horton That does leave the problem of the missing 4sts.
How many sts do you cast on for the front (the same number as for the back)?
How many sts are there for the pocket lining? It’s typically the same number as the cast off for the pocket (14sts).
Is there any increase or decrease as you work the body of the sweater?