NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil.
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
12 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
12 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:16 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 4:16 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.