NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:15 — 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 having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it. <sup>in it: or, in himself</sup>
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.
22 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
He stripped all the spiritual tyrants in the universe of their sham authority at the Cross and marched them naked through the streets.
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
22 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:15 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 2:15 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.