NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before you.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 9:3 — 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 mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
My enemies retreated;they staggered and died when you appeared.
9 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The day my enemies turned tail and ran, they stumbled on you and fell on their faces.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
When my enemies turn back, They stumble and perish before You.
11 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
9 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
11 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 9:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:3 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 9:3 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.