NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 3:32 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD,but he offers his friendship to the godly.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"Why not?" you say. Because God can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For the devious are an abomination to the LORD; But He is intimate with the upright.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 3:32?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 3:32 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 3:32 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.