NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
16 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
But that doesn't mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift.
28 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 4:7 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.