NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 2:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasseth the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The first branch, called the Pishon, flowed around the entire land of Havilah, where gold is found.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The first is named Pishon; it flows through Havilah where there is gold.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold.
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 2:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 2:11 in 6 translations: New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Message, New American Standard Bible. Each uses a different translation philosophy — from word-for-word (KJV, ESV, NASB) to thought-for-thought (NIV, NLT) to paraphrase (MSG).
Which translation of Genesis 2:11 is best?
No single translation is "best" — it depends on your purpose. For deep study, use the ESV or NASB (word-for-word). For devotional reading, the NIV balances accuracy and readability. The NLT and MSG are excellent for understanding the general meaning in modern English. Comparing multiple translations helps grasp the full richness of the text.
What is the difference between literal and dynamic Bible translations?
Literal (formal equivalence) translations like KJV, ESV, and NASB translate word-for-word from the original Hebrew/Greek. Dynamic equivalence translations like NIV and NLT translate thought-for-thought for clarity. The MSG is a paraphrase that captures the spirit in contemporary language. Each approach has strengths — that's why comparing translations is valuable.