NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 1:2 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
12 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures,
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures,
11 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
12 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
11 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 1:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 1:2 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 1:2 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.