NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Rules for Holy Living Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
28 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
22 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
30 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
28 words
KJV
22 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
30 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:1 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 3:1 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.