NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:2 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I greet the Christians and stalwart followers of Christ who live in Colosse. May everything good from God our Father be yours!
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ [who are] at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:2 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 Colossians 1:2 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.