NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 3:2 — 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 saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
12 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
9 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here."
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
9 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
12 words
ESV
9 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
9 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 3:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 3:2 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 3:2 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.