NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high.
15 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Gather the nations before you.Rule over them from on high.
10 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
My accusers have packed the courtroom; it's judgment time.
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Let the assembly of the peoples encompass You, And over them return on high.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 7:7 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.