NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 3:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
If I tell you things that are plain as the hand before your face and you don't believe me, what use is there in telling you of things you can't see, the things of God?
35 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
35 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 3:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 3:12 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 3:12 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.