NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The wicked return to the grave, all the nations that forget God.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 9:17 — 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 wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The wicked will go down to the grave.This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The wicked bought a one-way ticket to hell.
8 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The wicked will return to Sheol, [Even] all the nations who forget God.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
8 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 9:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:17 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 9:17 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.