NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
like Sheol let us swallow them alive, and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Let’s swallow them alive, like the grave ;let’s swallow them whole, like those who go down to the pit of death.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Let's pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals.
11 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, Even whole, as those who go down to the pit;
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
11 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:12 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 1:12 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.