NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad was the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael was the father of Methushael, and Methushael was the father of Lamech.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Genesis 4:18 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusael: and Methusael begat Lamech. <sup>Lamech: Heb. Lemech</sup>
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Enoch had a son named Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Enoch had Irad, Irad had Mehujael, Mehujael had Methushael, Methushael had Lamech.
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech.
27 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
27 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Genesis 4:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Genesis 4:18 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 4:18 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.