NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 3:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you'll see what's really going on. You'll be just like God, knowing everything, ranging all the way from good to evil."
31 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.'
26 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
31 words
NASB
26 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 3:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 3:5 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 3:5 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.