Philippians 1:26 — Compare Translations

Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.

NIV

New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)

Dynamic equivalence
so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Formal equivalence
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

18 words · Formal / word-for-word

ESV

English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)

Formal equivalence
so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

21 words · Essentially literal

NLT

New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)

Dynamic equivalence
And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

27 words · Thought-for-thought clarity

MSG

The Message · 2002

Paraphrase
You can start looking forward to a great reunion when I come visit you again. We'll be praising Christ, enjoying each other.

22 words · Contemporary paraphrase

NASB

New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)

Formal equivalence
so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.

18 words · Most literal English translation

Translation Length Comparison

NIV
19 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
27 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
18 words

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 1:26?

Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:26 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 1:26 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.