NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?”
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Romans 3:7 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner?
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“But,” someone might still argue, “how can God condemn me as a sinner if my dishonesty highlights his truthfulness and brings him more glory?”
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's simply perverse to say, "If my lies serve to show off God's truth all the more gloriously, why blame me? I'm doing God a favor."
26 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
26 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Romans 3:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Romans 3:7 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 3:7 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.