20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

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20 [a]Therefore, if you (A)died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, (B)why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 (C)“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—(D)according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 (E)These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and [b]neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:20 NU, M omit Therefore
  2. Colossians 2:23 severe treatment, asceticism

20 If with Christ (A)you died to the (B)elemental spirits of the world, (C)why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 (D)“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 ((E)referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to (F)human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in (G)promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are (H)of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

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