NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 2:7 — 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 made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ;he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form,
26 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
26 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 2:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 2:7 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 2:7 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.