NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 4:8 — 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 will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
In peace I will lie down and sleep,for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep, For you, God, have put my life back together.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 4:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 4:8 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 4:8 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.