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.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

20 If you have died with Christ to the elemental spirits of the world, why do you submit to them as if living in the world? 21 “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,” 22 which things are all meant for destruction by consuming according to human commandments and teachings, 23 which things although they have[a],[b] to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, do not have any value[c] against the indulgence of the flesh.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:23 Literally “having”
  2. Colossians 2:23 *Here the participle (“having”) is understood as concessive
  3. Colossians 2:23 Literally “are not with any value”