Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
One in Christ Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)—
33 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
29 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands —
29 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t forget that you Gentiles used to be outsiders. You were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who were proud of their circumcision, even though it affected only their bodies and not their hearts.
34 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
But don't take any of this for granted. It was only yesterday that you outsiders to God's ways
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called 'Uncircumcision ' by the so-called 'Circumcision,' [which is] performed in the flesh by human hands--
28 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 2:11 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).
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.
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.