NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing .
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
And let endurance have [its] perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:4 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 1:4 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.