NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:21 — 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 lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.
32 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life.
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and [all] that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
32 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:21 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 1:21 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.