NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:10 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything.
17 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
17 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:10?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:10 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 2:10 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.