NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:14 — 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 every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.
28 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
28 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:14 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 1:14 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.