NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 1:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.
32 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!)
21 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
32 words
MSG
21 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 1:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 1:5 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 1:5 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.