NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 4:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Not that I'm looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 4:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 4:17 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 4:17 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.