NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 2:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God;
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
She has abandoned her husbandand ignores the covenant she made before God.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Who's faithless to the husband she married years ago, never gave a second thought to her promises before God.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
That leaves the companion of her youth And forgets the covenant of her God;
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 2:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 2:17 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 2:17 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.