20 Since you died with Christ(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:(C) 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish(D) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.(E) 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility(F) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

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20 If you died with the Messiah(A) to the elemental forces 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 destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men. 23 Although these have a reputation of wisdom(B) by promoting ascetic practices, 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. Colossians 2:23 Lit value against indulgence of the flesh