NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
John 3:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
26 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. ”
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is."
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.'
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
26 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for John 3:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers John 3:21 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 3:21 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.