NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
8 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 2:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
11 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!
10 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
11 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
8 words
KJV
11 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
10 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
11 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 2:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 2:10 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 Matthew 2:10 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.