NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:15 — 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 a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
12 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing,
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
12 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:15 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 2:15 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.