NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:8 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: "Love others as you love yourself."
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,' you are doing well.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:8 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 2:8 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.