NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 5:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
10 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
10 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
God blesses those who are humble,for they will inherit the whole earth.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
27 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
10 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
10 words
ESV
10 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
27 words
NASB
10 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 5:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 5:5 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 5:5 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.