NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 3:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
44 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.
27 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
for the demonstration, [I say], of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
29 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
27 words
NLT
44 words
MSG
27 words
NASB
29 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 3:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 3:26 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 3:26 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.