NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 3:18 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; <sup>bring: Heb. cause to bud</sup>
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
It will grow thorns and thistles for you,though you will eat of its grains.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The ground will sprout thorns and weeds, you'll get your food the hard way, Planting and tilling and harvesting,
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Both thorns and thistles it shall grow for you; And you will eat the plants of the field;
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 3:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 3:18 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 3:18 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.