NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 2:8 — 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 he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"Now fill your pitchers and take them to the host," Jesus said, and they did.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
And He said to them, 'Draw [some] out now and take it to the headwaiter.' So they took it [to him].
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 2:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 2:8 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 2:8 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.