NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:12 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.
21 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
19 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
21 words
NASB
19 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:12?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:12 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 1:12 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.