20 If you died with Christ(A) to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destined to perish by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. 23 Although these have a reputation for wisdom(B) by promoting self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.[a](C)

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Footnotes

  1. 2:23 Lit value against indulgence of the flesh

Warnings against False Teachers

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental principles[a] of the world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations,(A) 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings.(B) 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. 2.20 Or spirits
  2. 2.23 Or are of no value, serving only to indulge the flesh