NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:19 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money;it robs them of life.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
When you grab all you can get, that's what happens: the more you get, the less you are.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
So are the ways of everyone who gains by violence; It takes away the life of its possessors.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:19?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:19 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 1:19 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.