NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 4:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t sin by letting anger control you.Think about it overnight and remain silent. Interlude
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Complain if you must, but don't lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 4:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 4:4 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 4:4 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.