NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 2:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby : <sup>thereby: or, in himself</sup>
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
28 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Christ brought us together through his death on the Cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
28 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 2:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 2:16 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 2:16 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.