NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
25 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:22 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life,
45 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
26 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
25 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
45 words
NASB
26 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:22?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:22 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 4:22 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.