NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 2:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God,
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord,
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 2:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 2:21 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 2:21 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.