NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:24 — 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 he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
for [once] he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:24?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:24 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 1:24 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.