NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
12 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:19 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
12 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For God in all his fullnesswas pleased to live in Christ,
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For it was the [Father's] good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
12 words
KJV
12 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:19?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:19 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 1:19 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.