NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 2:9 — 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 if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it.
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But if you show partiality, you are committing sin [and] are convicted by the law as transgressors.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 2:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 2:9 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 2:9 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.