NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
15 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:25 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.
18 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
15 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
18 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:25?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:25 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 3:25 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.