NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 1:14 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike.
27 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Everyone I meet—it matters little whether they're mannered or rude, smart or simple—deepens my sense of interdependence and obligation.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
27 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 1:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 1:14 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 Romans 1:14 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.