NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
28 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 3:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
30 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
29 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
35 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
What counts is your life. Is it green and blossoming? Because if it's deadwood, it goes on the fire.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'The axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
28 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
28 words
KJV
30 words
ESV
29 words
NLT
35 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
28 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 3:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 3:10 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 3:10 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.