NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
16 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:18 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. <sup>Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.</sup>
25 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
16 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING — PAUL. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.
19 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I'm signing off in my own handwriting—Paul. Remember to pray for me in this jail. Grace be with you.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.
16 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
16 words
KJV
25 words
ESV
16 words
NLT
19 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
16 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:18?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:18 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 4:18 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.