NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Wisdom Is Supreme Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 4:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My children, listen when your father corrects you.Pay attention and learn good judgment,
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Hear, [O] sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding,
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 4:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 4:1 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 4:1 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.