NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
if I have done evil to him who is at peace with me or without cause have robbed my foe—
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 7:4 — 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 I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy:)
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
if I have repaid my friend with evil or plundered my enemy without cause,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
if I have betrayed a friendor plundered my enemy without cause,
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
betrayed my friends, ripped off my enemies— If my hands are really that dirty,
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If I have rewarded evil to my friend, Or have plundered him who without cause was my adversary,
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 7:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 7:4 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 7:4 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.