NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
22 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:8 — 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 now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, [and] abusive speech from your mouth.
18 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
22 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
18 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:8 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 3:8 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.