NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
11 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
9 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God's righteousness doesn't grow from human anger.
7 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
11 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
9 words
MSG
7 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:20 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 1:20 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.