NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth —
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
27 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
feel qualified to guide others through their blind alleys and dark nights and confused emotions to God.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth,
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
27 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:20 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 2:20 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.