NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Unity in the Body of Christ As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, <sup>of the Lord: or, in the Lord</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.
25 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere.
63 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
25 words
MSG
63 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:1 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 4:1 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.