NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone . <sup>alone: Gr. by itself</sup>
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, [being] by itself.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:17 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 2:17 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.