NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Ephesians 6:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
28 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Fathers, don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
28 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Ephesians 6:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Ephesians 6:4 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 6:4 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.
✨
Want a verse in your inbox?
One curated verse delivered to your inbox every morning. Free, no spam.