NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 9:12 — 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 he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble . <sup>humble: or, afflicted</sup>
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
How he tracks down killers yet keeps his eye on us, registers every whimper and moan.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For He who requires blood remembers them; He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 9:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:12 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 9:12 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.