NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 8:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers —the moon and the stars you set in place —
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 8:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 8:3 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 8:3 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.