NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:26 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it's out in the open.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
[that is], the mystery which has been hidden from the [past] ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:26?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:26 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 1:26 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.