NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the surface, and dew to descend from the night skies.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the skies drip with dew.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:20 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 3:20 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.