NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 1:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
John answered, "I only baptize using water. A person you don't recognize has taken his stand in your midst.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
John answered them saying, 'I baptize in water, [but] among you stands One whom you do not know.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 1:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 1:26 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 John 1:26 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.