NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
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
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
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
King James Version · 1611
That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
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
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
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
The Message · 2002
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
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again.
18 words · Most literal English translation
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).
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.
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.