NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
She calls to the crowds along the main street,to those gathered in front of the city gate:
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
In the middle of the traffic she takes her stand. At the busiest corner she calls out:
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
At the head of the noisy [streets] she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:21 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 1:21 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.