NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his [own] heart, this man's religion is worthless.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:26 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 1:26 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.