NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
32 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:5 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
29 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
28 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
31 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I'm a long way off, true, and you may never lay eyes on me, but believe me, I'm on your side, right beside you. I am delighted to hear of the careful and orderly ways you conduct your affairs, and impressed with the solid substance of your faith in Christ.
50 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.
29 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
32 words
KJV
29 words
ESV
28 words
NLT
31 words
MSG
50 words
NASB
29 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:5?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:5 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 2:5 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.