NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
do not [merely] look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:4 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 2:4 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.