NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:15 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: <sup>speaking: or, being sincere</sup>
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.
33 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all [aspects] into Him who is the head, [even] Christ,
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
33 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:15 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 4:15 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.