NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:22 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But you know Timothy's proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But you know how Timothy has proved himself. Like a son with his father, he has served with me in preaching the Good News.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But you know yourselves that Timothy's the real thing. He's been a devoted son to me as together we've delivered the Message.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child [serving] his father.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:22?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:22 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 2:22 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.