NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 5:2 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten.
9 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten.
9 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink.
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.
10 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
9 words
ESV
9 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
10 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 5:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 5:2 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 5:2 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.