NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
All those things are mere shadows cast before what was to come; the substance is Christ.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
things which are a [mere] shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:17 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 2:17 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.