NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
not by works, so that no one can boast.
9 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 2:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
8 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing!
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
9 words
KJV
8 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 2:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 2:9 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 2:9 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.