NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 3:16 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
19 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
10 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.
11 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
however, let us keep living by that same [standard] to which we have attained.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
19 words
ESV
10 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
11 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 3:16?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 3:16 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 3:16 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.