NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And when the arrogant rich are brought down to size, cheer! Prosperity is as short-lived as a wildflower, so don't ever count on it.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and the rich man [is to glory] in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:10 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 James 1:10 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.