NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
19 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 1:7 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf.
24 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It's as vigorous in you now as when you learned it from our friend and close associate Epaphras. He is one reliable worker for Christ! I could always depend on him.
31 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
just as you learned [it] from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
19 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
24 words
MSG
31 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 1:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 1:7 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 1:7 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.