NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:28 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you.
33 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So you can see why I'm so delighted to send him on to you. When you see him again, hale and hearty, how you'll rejoice and how relieved I'll be.
30 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned [about you].
27 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
33 words
MSG
30 words
NASB
27 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:28?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:28 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).
Which translation of Philippians 2:28 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.