NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:15 — 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 that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live , and do this, or that.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Instead, make it a habit to say, "If the Master wills it and we're still alive, we'll do this or that."
21 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Instead, [you ought] to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.'
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
21 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:15 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 4:15 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.