NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 1:27 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He comes after me, but he is not in second place to me. I'm not even worthy to hold his coat for him."
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'[It is] He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.'
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 1:27?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 1:27 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 1:27 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.