NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Exhortations I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 4:2 — 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 beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 4:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 4:2 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 4:2 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.