NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 1:28 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“When they cry for help, I will not answer.Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You'll need me then. You'll call for me, but don't expect an answer. No matter how hard you look, you won't find me.
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me,
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 1:28?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 1:28 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 1:28 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.