NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:28 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
19 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
32 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.
41 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
23 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
19 words
NLT
32 words
MSG
41 words
NASB
23 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:28?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:28 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 1:28 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.