NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 3:27 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.
26 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
30 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So where does that leave our proud Jewish insider claims and counterclaims? Canceled? Yes, canceled. What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does.
34 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
26 words
NLT
30 words
MSG
34 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 3:27?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 3:27 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 3:27 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.