NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 1:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But not the wicked!They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust—
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The wicked are not so, But they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 1:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 1:4 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 Psalms 1:4 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.