Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
30 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth . <sup>to give: or, to distribute</sup>
37 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.
30 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
Did you used to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have [something] to share with one who has need.
33 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:28 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).
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.
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.