NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it;
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 2:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For only the godly will live in the land,and those with integrity will remain in it.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For the upright will live in the land And the blameless will remain in it;
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 2:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 2:21 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 2:21 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.