NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird . <sup>in the: Heb. in the eyes of every thing that hath a wing</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird,
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If a bird sees a trap being set,it knows to stay away.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Nobody robs a bank with everyone watching,
7 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Indeed, it is useless to spread the [baited] net In the sight of any bird;
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
7 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:17 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 1:17 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.