NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:27 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. <sup>them: Heb. the owners thereof</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Do not withhold good from those who deserve itwhen it’s in your power to help them.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do [it].
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:27?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:27 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 3:27 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.