NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 2:4 — 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 that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But the one who rules in heaven laughs.The Lord scoffs at them.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he's amused at their presumption;
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 2:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 2:4 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 2:4 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.