NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
he taught me and said, “Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 4:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My father taught me,“Take my words to heart.Follow my commands, and you will live.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He would sit me down and drill me: "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live!
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Then he taught me and said to me, 'Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 4:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 4:4 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 4:4 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.