NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:17 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
17 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”
15 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
And, oh, yes, tell Archippus, "Do your best in the job you received from the Master. Do your very best."
20 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Say to Archippus, 'Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.'
20 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
17 words
NLT
15 words
MSG
20 words
NASB
20 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:17?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:17 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 4:17 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.