NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:23 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Come and listen to my counsel.I’ll share my heart with youand make you wise.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
About face! I can revise your life. Look, I'm ready to pour out my spirit on you; I'm ready to tell you all I know.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:23?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:23 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 1:23 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.