NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 1:23 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.
20 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Hard choice! The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful. Some days I can think of nothing better
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But I am hard-pressed from both [directions], having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for [that] is very much better;
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
20 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 1:23?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:23 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 1:23 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.