NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give me.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:30 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Remember the ministry to me that you started but weren't able to complete? Well, in the process of finishing up that work, he put his life on the line and nearly died doing it.
34 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
34 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:30?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:30 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 2:30 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.