NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Philippians 4:6 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
21 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
21 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Philippians 4:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Philippians 4:6 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 4:6 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.