NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Paul’s Chains Advance the Gospel Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.
25 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 1:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel;
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered.
28 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
25 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
28 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 1:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:12 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 1:12 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.