NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
If those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And if the Gentiles obey God’s law, won’t God declare them to be his own people?
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The reverse is also true: The uncircumcised who keep God's ways are as good as the circumcised—
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision?
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:26 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 2:26 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.