NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 34:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 34:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 34:4 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 34:4 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.
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