NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:3 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.
16 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life.
25 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
16 words
MSG
25 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:3?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:3 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 3:3 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.