NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 34:18 — 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 LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. <sup>unto: Heb. to the broken of heart</sup> <sup>of a contrite: Heb. contrite of spirit</sup>
35 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
35 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 34:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 34:18 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 34:18 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.
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