NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 2:7 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Herod then arranged a secret meeting with the scholars from the East. Pretending to be as devout as they were, he got them to tell him exactly when the birth-announcement star appeared.
32 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Then Herod secretly called the magi and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
32 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 2:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 2:7 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 2:7 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.