NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don't do it, that, for you, is evil.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore, to one who knows [the] right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:17 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 4:17 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.