NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 3:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
A bit in the mouth of a horse controls the whole horse.
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 3:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 3:3 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 3:3 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.