NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If he does not relent, he will sharpen his sword; he will bend and string his bow.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 7:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and readied his bow;
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If a person does not repent,God will sharpen his sword;he will bend and string his bow.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God is already in action— Sword honed on his whetstone, bow strung, arrow on the string,
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If a man does not repent, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 7:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 7:12 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 7:12 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.