NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 3:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
26 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
40 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
26 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
26 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
40 words
NASB
26 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 3:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 3:20 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 3:20 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.