NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 3:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I lay down and slept,yet I woke up in safety,for the LORD was watching over me.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I stretch myself out. I sleep. Then I'm up again—rested, tall and steady,
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustains me.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 3:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 3:5 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 3:5 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.