NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 1:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy,
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 1:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 1:4 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 1:4 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.