Psalms 5:5 — Compare Translations

Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.

NIV

New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)

Dynamic equivalence
The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.

13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Formal equivalence
The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. <sup>in: Heb. before thine eyes</sup>

19 words · Formal / word-for-word

ESV

English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)

Formal equivalence
The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.

12 words · Essentially literal

NLT

New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)

Dynamic equivalence
Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence,for you hate all who do evil.

15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity

MSG

The Message · 2002

Paraphrase
Hot-Air-Boaster collapses in front of you; you shake your head over Mischief-Maker.

12 words · Contemporary paraphrase

NASB

New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)

Formal equivalence
The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity.

14 words · Most literal English translation

Translation Length Comparison

NIV
13 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
14 words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 5:5?

Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 5:5 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 5:5 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.