NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
13 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:7 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
13 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
12 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better.
16 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
13 words
KJV
13 words
ESV
12 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
16 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:7?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:7 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 3:7 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.