NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:25 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
The Jewish ceremony of circumcision has value only if you obey God’s law. But if you don’t obey God’s law, you are no better off than an uncircumcised Gentile.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Circumcision, the surgical ritual that marks you as a Jew, is great if you live in accord with God's law. But if you don't, it's worse than not being circumcised.
30 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.
25 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
30 words
NASB
25 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:25?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:25 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 2:25 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.