NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
18 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:13 — 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 I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.
23 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
20 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I've watched him closely, and can report on how hard he has worked for you and for those in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
22 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
22 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
18 words
KJV
23 words
ESV
20 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
22 words
NASB
22 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:13?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:13 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 4:13 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.