NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 1:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. <sup>wither: Heb. fade</sup>
36 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
30 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
They are like trees planted along the riverbank,bearing fruit each season.Their leaves never wither,and they prosper in all they do.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
He will be like a tree [firmly] planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.
32 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
36 words
ESV
30 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
32 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 1:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 1:3 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 Psalms 1:3 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.