NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
17 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 3:9 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Lie not one to another , seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
18 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
18 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire.
27 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its [evil] practices,
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
17 words
KJV
18 words
ESV
18 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
27 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 3:9?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 3:9 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 3:9 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.