NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave, the first glimpse of his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
This beginning of [His] signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:11 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 2:11 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.