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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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