Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God.
31 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
King James Version · 1611
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God.
26 words · Essentially literal
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself.
35 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
The Message · 2002
not flinching or dodging in the slightest before the opposition. Your courage and unity will show them what they're up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God.
31 words · Contemporary paraphrase
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
in no way alarmed by [your] opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that [too], from God.
25 words · Most literal English translation
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:28 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.