NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
25 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:5 — 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 of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
26 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
27 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
25 words
KJV
26 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
27 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:5 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 1:5 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.