NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:24 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You can go to bed without fear;you will lie down and sleep soundly.
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:24?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:24 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 3:24 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.