NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 2:6 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him,
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 2:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 2:6 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 2:6 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.