NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:15 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:15 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 1:15 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.