NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
27 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:14 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
27 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
23 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
the slate wiped clean, that old arrest warrant canceled and nailed to Christ's Cross.
14 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
32 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
27 words
KJV
27 words
ESV
23 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
14 words
NASB
32 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:14 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 2:14 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.