Psalms 7:7 — 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
Let the assembled peoples gather around you. Rule over them from on high;

13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Formal equivalence
So shall the congregation of the people compass thee about: for their sakes therefore return thou on high.

18 words · Formal / word-for-word

ESV

English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)

Formal equivalence
Let the assembly of the peoples be gathered about you; over it return on high.

15 words · Essentially literal

NLT

New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)

Dynamic equivalence
Gather the nations before you.Rule over them from on high.

10 words · Thought-for-thought clarity

MSG

The Message · 2002

Paraphrase
My accusers have packed the courtroom; it's judgment time.

9 words · Contemporary paraphrase

NASB

New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)

Formal equivalence
Let the assembly of the peoples encompass You, And over them return on high.

14 words · Most literal English translation

Translation Length Comparison

NIV
13 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
10 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
14 words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 7:7?

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).

Which translation of Psalms 7:7 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.