Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Psalm 7 A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. O Lord my God, I take refuge in you; save and deliver me from all who pursue me,
34 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
Shiggaion of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite . O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me: <sup>words: or, business</sup>
42 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
O LORD my God, in you do I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and deliver me,
19 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I come to you for protection, O LORD my God.Save me from my persecutors — rescue me!
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
A David psalm God! God! I am running to you for dear life; the chase is wild.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
A Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the LORD concerning Cush, a Benjamite. O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,
35 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 7:1 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).
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.
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.