NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 8:2 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. <sup>ordained: Heb. founded</sup>
28 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You have taught children and infantsto tell of your strength,silencing your enemiesand all who oppose you.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
28 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 8:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 8:2 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 8:2 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.