NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 1:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. <sup>comprehended: or, did not admit, or, receive</sup>
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The light shines in the darkness,and the darkness can never extinguish it.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn't put it out.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 1:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 1:5 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 1:5 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.