NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 2:14 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. <sup>toward: or, eastward to Assyria</sup>
30 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The third branch, called the Tigris, flowed east of the land of Asshur. The fourth branch is called the Euphrates.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The third river is named Hiddekel and flows east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The name of the third river is Tigris; it flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
30 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 2:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 2:14 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 2:14 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.