NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:24 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:24?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:24 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 2:24 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.