NIV
New International Version · 1978 (rev. 2011)
I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
24 words · Balance of accuracy and readability
Colossians 4:8 — Compare Translations
Read this verse in 6 Bible translations — from word-for-word to thought-for-thought.
Dynamic equivalence
KJV
King James Version · 1611
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;
20 words · Formal / word-for-word
ESV
English Standard Version · 2001 (rev. 2016)
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,
24 words · Essentially literal
NLT
New Living Translation · 1996 (rev. 2015)
I have sent him to you for this very purpose — to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.
23 words · Thought-for-thought clarity
MSG
The Message · 2002
I've sent him to you so that you would know how things are with us, and so he could encourage you in your faith.
24 words · Contemporary paraphrase
NASB
New American Standard Bible · 1971 (rev. 2020)
[For] I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;
25 words · Most literal English translation
Translation Length Comparison
NIV
24 words
KJV
20 words
ESV
24 words
NLT
23 words
MSG
24 words
NASB
25 words
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bible translations are there for Colossians 4:8?
Bible Verse Randomizer offers Colossians 4:8 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 4:8 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.