NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
10 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:4 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
11 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
13 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.
12 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.
19 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
13 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
10 words
KJV
11 words
ESV
13 words
NLT
12 words
MSG
19 words
NASB
13 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:4?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:4 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 4:4 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.