NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 3:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Whereby , when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
As you read over what I have written to you, you'll be able to see for yourselves into the mystery of Christ.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 3:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 3:4 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 3:4 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.