NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) <sup>fill: or, fulfil</sup>
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And the One who climbed down is the One who climbed back up, up to highest heaven. He handed out gifts above and below, filled heaven with his gifts,
29 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
29 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:10 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 4:10 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.