NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words,
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 2:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words,
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman,from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Wise friends will rescue you from the Temptress— that smooth-talking Seductress
11 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
To deliver you from the strange woman, From the adulteress who flatters with her words;
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
11 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 2:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 2:16 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 2:16 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.