NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:31 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:31?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:31 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 4:31 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.