NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you,
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
1 Peter 1:4 — 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 an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, <sup>for you: or, for us</sup>
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
and we have a priceless inheritance — an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
to [obtain] an inheritance [which is] imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for 1 Peter 1:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers 1 Peter 1:4 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 1 Peter 1:4 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.