20 (A)If you have died with Christ [a]to the (B)elementary principles of the world, (C)why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to (D)decrees, such as, 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22 (which all refer (E)to things destined to perish [b]with use)—in accordance with the (F)commandments and teachings of man? 23 These are matters which do have the [c]appearance of wisdom in [d](G)self-made religion and humility and (H)severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against (I)fleshly indulgence.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:20 Lit from
  2. Colossians 2:22 Or by being consumed
  3. Colossians 2:23 Lit report; Gr logos
  4. Colossians 2:23 Or would-be religion

The New Life in the Messiah

20 If you have died with the Messiah[a] to the basic principles of the world,[b] why are you submitting to its decrees as though you still lived in the world? 21 “Don’t handle this! Don’t taste or touch that!” 22 All of these things will be destroyed as they are used, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 These things have the appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, humility, and harsh treatment of the body, but they have no value against self-indulgence.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:20 Or Christ
  2. Colossians 2:20 Or the elemental spirits of the universe