NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 3:14 — 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 bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom.
21 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and [so] lie against the truth.
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
21 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 3:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 3:14 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 3:14 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.