NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 3:16 — 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 where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. <sup>confusion: Gr. tumult or unquietness</sup>
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 3:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 3:16 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 3:16 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.