NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 16:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. <sup>Commit: Heb. Roll</sup>
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 16:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 16:3 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 16:3 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.
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