Compare Psalm 4:6-8 in Four Translations

Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Let the light of your presence shine on us, O LORD.
You put more joy in my heart
than when their grain and new wine increase.
I fall asleep in peace the moment I lie down
because you alone, O LORD, enable me to live securely.
GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
Meaning-for-Meaning (Closest Natural Equivalence)

There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
You have put more joy in my heart
than they have when their grain and wine abound.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)

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Many people say, “Who will show us better times?”
Let your face smile on us, LORD.
You have given me greater joy
than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Thought-for-Thought (Functional Equivalence)

Why is everyone hungry for more? “More, more,” they say.
“More, more.”
I have God’s more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day

Than they get in all their shopping sprees.
At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,
For you, GOD, have put my life back together.
The Message (MSG)
Paraphrase (Retelling)

Visit our Bible Translation Guide for more information about the major differences between the clear, natural English of God’s Word and other translations.