NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 4:5 — 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 the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple,
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
For the second test the Devil took him to the Holy City. He sat him on top of the Temple and said,
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 4:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 4:5 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 4:5 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.