NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:26 — 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 as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. <sup>spirit: or, breath</sup>
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.
26 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For just as the body without [the] spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
26 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:26 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 2:26 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.