NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
26 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
29 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
34 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns. You'll be living proof that I didn't go to all this work for nothing.
30 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
30 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
26 words
ESV
29 words
NLT
34 words
MSG
30 words
NASB
30 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:16 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 2:16 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.