NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. <sup>likeminded: or, so dear unto me</sup>
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare.
13 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I have no one quite like Timothy. He is loyal, and genuinely concerned for you.
15 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For I have no one [else] of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
13 words
MSG
15 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:20 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 2:20 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.