NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ,
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 1:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; <sup>approve: or, try</sup> <sup>are: or, differ</sup>
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of:
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 1:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:10 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 Philippians 1:10 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.