NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
29 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 1:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
29 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
29 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else — not only in this world but also in the world to come.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever.
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
28 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
29 words
KJV
29 words
ESV
29 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
28 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 1:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 1:21 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 1:21 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.