NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
23 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:15 — 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 let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
24 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
22 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
29 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.
30 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
21 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
23 words
KJV
24 words
ESV
22 words
NLT
29 words
MSG
30 words
NASB
21 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:15?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:15 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 3:15 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.