NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
11 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:20 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
15 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
11 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.
10 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.
13 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
11 words
KJV
15 words
ESV
11 words
NLT
10 words
MSG
13 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:20?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:20 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 3:20 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.