NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:11 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
16 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,
30 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
We pray that you'll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy,
39 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
16 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
30 words
MSG
39 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:11?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:11 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 Colossians 1:11 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.