NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Proverbs 4:7 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'The beginning of wisdom [is]: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Proverbs 4:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Proverbs 4:7 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 4:7 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.