NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry.
28 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
BE ANGRY, AND [yet] DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
28 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:26 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 4:26 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.