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Which voice fits you?

There’s no single “best” translation. Read a familiar passage in each, see where each one sits, and notice where they differ — then choose the voice that helps you meet the Word. Here’s how to think about it; see for yourself.

Word-for-wordThought-for-thoughtParaphrase
  • YLTformal · Textus Receptus · Advanced (study)

    An extremely literal translation that mirrors the Hebrew and Greek tenses and word order — excellent for study, demanding to read.

  • ASVformal · Critical Text · Grade 11

    A highly literal early-20th-century revision, prized for its precision and consistency in rendering the originals.

  • KJVformal · Textus Receptus · Grade 12 (Early Modern English)

    A formal, word-for-word rendering in stately Early Modern English; the most influential English Bible and fully Strong's-tagged.

  • WEBformal-dynamic · Majority Text · Grade 8

    A readable, modern public-domain update of the ASV, balancing accuracy with contemporary English.

The same passage, side by side

Compare translations

Psalms 23

Differences shown side by side — read and decide for yourself.

Psalms 23:1
KJV

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

ASV

Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want.

WEB

Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

YLT

A Psalm of David. Jehovah <FI>is<Fi> my shepherd, I do not lack,

Psalms 23:2
KJV

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

ASV

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.

WEB

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

YLT

In pastures of tender grass He causeth me to lie down, By quiet waters He doth lead me.

Psalms 23:3
KJV

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

ASV

He restoreth my soul: He guideth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

WEB

He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

YLT

My soul He refresheth, He leadeth me in paths of righteousness, For His name's sake,

Psalms 23:4
KJV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

ASV

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

WEB

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

YLT

Also--when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou <FI>art<Fi> with me, Thy rod and Thy staff--they comfort me.

Psalms 23:5
KJV

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

ASV

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup runneth over.

WEB

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

YLT

Thou arrangest before me a table, Over-against my adversaries, Thou hast anointed with oil my head, My cup is full!

Psalms 23:6
KJV

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

ASV

Surely goodness and lovingkindness shall follow me all the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah for ever.

WEB

Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.

YLT

Only--goodness and kindness pursue me, All the days of my life, And my dwelling <FI>is<Fi> in the house of Jehovah, For a length of days!

Where they differ most

  • Psalms 23:157% different wording
  • Psalms 23:245% different wording
  • Psalms 23:645% different wording
  • Psalms 23:544% different wording
  • Psalms 23:431% different wording

Psalms 23:1every translation here is freely given. Read, compare, and choose in freedom.