NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
25 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:23 — 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 if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
26 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.
28 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror,
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
27 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
25 words
KJV
26 words
ESV
28 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
27 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:23?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:23 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 1:23 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.