NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:14 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
14 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
14 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
14 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Beyond all these things [put on] love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
14 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
14 words
ESV
14 words
NLT
14 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
14 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:14?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:14 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 3:14 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.