NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:29 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily .
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
That's what I'm working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:29?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:29 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 1:29 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.