NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:6 — 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 there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Six stoneware water pots were there, used by the Jews for ritual washings. Each held twenty to thirty gallons.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:6 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 2:6 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.