NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
to train Christians in skilled servant work, working within Christ's body, the church,
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:12 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 4:12 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.