NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 3:20 — 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 by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Our involvement with God's revelation doesn't put us right with God. What it does is force us to face our complicity in everyone else's sin.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law [comes] the knowledge of sin.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 3:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 3:20 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 3:20 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.