NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But the temple he had spoken of was his body.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But he spake of the temple of his body.
9 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But he was speaking about the temple of his body.
10 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But Jesus was talking about his body as the Temple.
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But He was speaking of the temple of His body.
10 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
9 words
ESV
10 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
10 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:21 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 2:21 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.