NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 3:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. <sup>reproved: or, discovered</sup>
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 3:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 3:20 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 3:20 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.