NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
21 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:1 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master — in heaven.
18 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master—God in heaven.
23 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.
17 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
21 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
18 words
MSG
23 words
NASB
17 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:1?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:1 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 4:1 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.