NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:13 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. <sup>rejoiceth: or, glorieth</sup>
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
28 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For judgment [will be] merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
28 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:13?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:13 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 2:13 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.