NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 4:8 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
For the third test, the Devil took him on the peak of a huge mountain. He gestured expansively, pointing out all the earth's kingdoms, how glorious they all were.
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory;
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 4:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 4:8 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 4:8 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.