NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
14 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 5:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't waste your time on useless work, mere busywork, the barren pursuits of darkness. Expose these things for the sham they are.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
14 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 5:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 5:11 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 5:11 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.
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