NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 2:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.”
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You will break them with an iron rodand smash them like clay pots.’”
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow's trash."
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware.''
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 2:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 2:9 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 2:9 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.