NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:12 — 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 whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For the LORD corrects those he loves,just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father [corrects] the son in whom he delights.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:12 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 3:12 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.