NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.
16 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)
Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
16 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Sing praises to the LORD who reigns in Jerusalem.Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
Sing your songs to Zion-dwelling God, tell his stories to everyone you meet:
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; Declare among the peoples His deeds.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:11 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.