NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel
31 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:5 — 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 the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.
31 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The lines of purpose in your lives never grow slack, tightly tied as they are to your future in heaven, kept taut by hope. The Message is as true among you today as when you first heard it. It doesn't diminish or weaken over time.
45 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
31 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
31 words
MSG
45 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:5 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 1:5 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.