NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Warning to Rich Oppressors Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 5:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And a final word to you arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You'll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 5:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 5:1 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 5:1 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.