NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 3:15 — 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 Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. ” So John agreed to baptize him.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But Jesus insisted. "Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism." So John did it.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But Jesus answering said to him, 'Permit [it] at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he permitted Him.
28 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
28 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 3:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 3:15 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 3:15 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.