NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
20 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:6 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
21 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
21 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
17 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.
26 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
Let your speech always be with grace, [as though] seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
24 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
20 words
KJV
21 words
ESV
21 words
NLT
17 words
MSG
26 words
NASB
24 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:6?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:6 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 4:6 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.