NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him,
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:21 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 4:21 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.