NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 1:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
27 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
30 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living,
41 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
27 words
NLT
30 words
MSG
41 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 1:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 1:11 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 Ephesians 1:11 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.