NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 3:15 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
11 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.
9 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth.
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
11 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
9 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 3:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 3:15 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 3:15 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.