NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 4:6 — 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 he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proudbut gives grace to the humble.”
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
31 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore [it] says, 'GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.'
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
31 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 4:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 4:6 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 4:6 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.