NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Psalms 9:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right. <sup>maintained: Heb. made my judgment</sup> <sup>judging right: Heb. judging in righteousness</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For you have judged in my favor;from your throne you have judged with fairness.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You took over and set everything right; when I needed you, you were there, taking charge.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For You have maintained my just cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Psalms 9:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Psalms 9:4 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 9:4 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.