NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
James 5:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Grudge not one against another , brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. <sup>Grudge not: or, Groan, or, Grieve not</sup>
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look — the Judge is standing at the door!
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Friends, don't complain about each other. A far greater complaint could be lodged against you, you know. The Judge is standing just around the corner.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for James 5:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers James 5:9 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 5:9 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.