NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
He did not need man’s testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:25 — 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 needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He didn't need any help in seeing right through them.
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:25?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:25 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 2:25 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.