NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”?
9 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:21 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
6 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”
9 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”?
6 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
"Don't touch this! Don't taste that! Don't go near this!"
10 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
'Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!'
9 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
9 words
KJV
6 words
ESV
9 words
NLT
6 words
MSG
10 words
NASB
9 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:21?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:21 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 2:21 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.