NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 3:14 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
17 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.
9 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
17 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
9 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 3:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 3:14 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 3:14 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.