NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. <sup>In whom: or, Wherein</sup>
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we've been shown the mystery!
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
11 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
11 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:3 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 2:3 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.