NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:30 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t pick a fight without reason,when no one has done you harm.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not contend with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:30?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:30 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 3:30 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.