NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
8 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
8 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
8 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
8 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
8 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
They open their mouths and pollute the air.
8 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS';
8 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 3:14 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).
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.
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.