Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Psalm 9 For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David. I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
37 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben , A Psalm of David. I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
29 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
19 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
A David psalm I'm thanking you, God, from a full heart, I'm writing the book on your wonders.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For the choir director; on Muth-labben. A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.
28 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:1 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.