NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 3:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
31 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
25 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
37 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
33 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
31 words
ESV
25 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
37 words
NASB
33 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 3:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 3:21 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 3:21 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.