NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 5:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield. <sup>compass: Heb. crown</sup>
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For you bless the godly, O LORD;you surround them with your shield of love.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You are famous, God, for welcoming God-seekers, for decking us out in delight.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 5:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 5:12 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 5:12 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.