NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:28 — 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 he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly ; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision.
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't you see: It's not the cut of a knife that makes a Jew.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:28?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:28 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 2:28 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.