NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:2 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. <sup>affection: or, mind</sup>
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
15 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
11 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.
37 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
15 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
15 words
NLT
11 words
MSG
37 words
NASB
15 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:2?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:2 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 3:2 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.