NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 3:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
12 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
12 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 3:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 3:11 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 3:11 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.