NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. <sup>lusts: or, pleasures</sup>
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong — you want only what will give you pleasure.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend [it] on your pleasures.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:3 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 4:3 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.