NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The Lord is known by his justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion. Selah
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 9:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. <sup>Higgaion: that is, Meditation</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The LORD has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The LORD is known for his justice.The wicked are trapped by their own deeds. Quiet Interlude
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
They have no excuse; the way God works is well-known. The cunning machinery made by the wicked has maimed their own hands.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The LORD has made Himself known; He has executed judgment. In the work of his own hands the wicked is snared. Higgaion Selah.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 9:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:16 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 9:16 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.