NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:6 — 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 him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
29 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
40 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.
27 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
29 words
NLT
40 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
27 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:6 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 1:6 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.