NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
28 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 3:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! <sup>a matter: or, wood</sup>
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
26 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
A word out of your mouth may seem of no account, but it can accomplish nearly anything—or destroy it! It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire.
31 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and [yet] it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!
31 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
28 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
26 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
31 words
NASB
31 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 3:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 3:5 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 3:5 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.