NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 1:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. <sup>trusted: or, hoped</sup>
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 1:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 1:12 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 1:12 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.