NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 4:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call —
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
[There is] one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 4:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:4 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 4:4 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.