NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 3:14 — 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 John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
John objected, "I'm the one who needs to be baptized, not you!"
12 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?'
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
12 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 3:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 3:14 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 Matthew 3:14 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.