NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Listening and Doing My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:19 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Post this at all the intersections, dear friends: Lead with your ears, follow up with your tongue, and let anger straggle along in the rear.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
[This] you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak [and] slow to anger;
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:19?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:19 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 1:19 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.