NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:19 — 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 art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I have a special word of caution for you who are sure that you have it all together yourselves and, because you know God's revealed Word inside and out,
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:19?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:19 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 2:19 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.