NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:22 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
for they will refresh your soul.They are like jewels on a necklace.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
So they will be life to your soul And adornment to your neck.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:22?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:22 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 3:22 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.