NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:6 — 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 ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And here you are abusing these same citizens! Isn't it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind?
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court?
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:6 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 2:6 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.