NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 2:18 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He treated us as equals, and so made us equals. Through him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 2:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 2:18 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 2:18 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.