NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part , maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
40 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
35 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
35 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.
30 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.
38 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
40 words
ESV
35 words
NLT
35 words
MSG
30 words
NASB
38 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:16 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 4:16 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.