NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:2 — 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 length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. <sup>long: Heb. years of life</sup>
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If you do this, you will live many years,and your life will be satisfying.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:2 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 3:2 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.