NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:29 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. <sup>Devise: or, Practise no evil</sup>
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,for those who live nearby trust you.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not devise harm against your neighbor, While he lives securely beside you.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:29?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:29 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 3:29 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.