NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 5:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD.Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Every morning you'll hear me at it again. Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend.
27 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order [my] [prayer] to You and [eagerly] watch.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
27 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 5:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 5:3 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 5:3 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.