NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:20 — 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 wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?
28 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
28 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:20 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 2:20 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.