NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”— when you now have it with you.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:28 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it” — when you have it with you.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't tell your neighbor, "Maybe some other time," or, "Try me tomorrow," when the money's right there in your pocket.
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give [it],' When you have it with you.
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:28?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:28 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 3:28 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.