NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 3:18 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
26 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.
33 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross.
45 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] enemies of the cross of Christ,
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
26 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
33 words
MSG
45 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 3:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 3:18 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 3:18 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.