NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:3 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 2:3 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.