NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
6 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Matthew 3:8 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: <sup>meet: or, answerable to amendment of life</sup>
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
6 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's your life that must change, not your skin!
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance;
7 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
6 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
6 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
7 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Matthew 3:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Matthew 3:8 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 3:8 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.