NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:1 — 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 I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; <sup>conflict: or, fear, or, care</sup>
36 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
30 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I want you to realize that I continue to work as hard as I know how for you, and also for the Christians over at Laodicea. Not many of you have met me face-to-face, but that doesn't make any difference. Know that I'm on your side, right alongside you. You're not in this alone.
54 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face,
33 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
26 words
KJV
36 words
ESV
30 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
54 words
NASB
33 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:1 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 2:1 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.