NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?
21 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
There is [only] one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?
25 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
21 words
NASB
25 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:12 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 4:12 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.