NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:18 — 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 knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; <sup>approvest: or, triest the things that differ</sup>
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law;
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
a connoisseur of the best things of God, informed on the latest doctrines!
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and know [His] will and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law,
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:18 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 2:18 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.