NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 2:3 — 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 thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do you suppose, O man — you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself — that you will escape the judgment of God?
28 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things?
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You didn't think, did you, that just by pointing your finger at others you would distract God from seeing all your misdoings and from coming down on you hard?
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same [yourself], that you will escape the judgment of God?
30 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
28 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
30 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 2:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 2:3 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 2:3 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.