NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 1:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 1:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 1:9 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 John 1:9 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.