NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for someone’s blood, let’s waylay some harmless soul;
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood; let us ambush the innocent without reason;
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
They may say, “Come and join us.Let’s hide and kill someone!Just for fun, let’s ambush the innocent!
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
If they say—"Let's go out and raise some hell. Let's beat up some old man, mug some old woman.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If they say, 'Come with us, Let us lie in wait for blood, Let us ambush the innocent without cause;
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:11 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 Proverbs 1:11 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.