NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 1:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: <sup>rejoice: or, glory</sup> <sup>rejoice: or, glory</sup>
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation,
8 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Believers who are poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
When down-and-outers get a break, cheer!
6 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position;
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
8 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
6 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 1:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 1:9 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 1:9 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.