Colossians 2:20–23
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Wherefore if yee bee dead with Christ frō the ‖rudiments of the world: why, as though liuing in the world, are ye subiect to ordinances?
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, elements.
(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
(Touch not, taste not, handle not:
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Which all are to perish with the vsing) after the commandements and doctrines of men:
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Which things haue in deed a shew of wisedome in will-worship and humilitie, and ‖neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, punishing, or not sparing.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE
Cross References
19 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 20
- Colossians 2:8Rank 1 from verse 20
8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
8Beware lest any man spoile you through Philosophie and vaine deceit, after the tradition of men, after the ‖rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:
- Colossians 2:14Rank 2 from verse 20
- Colossians 2:16Rank 3 from verse 20
- Galatians 4:3Rank 4 from verse 20
- Romans 7:4–6Rank 5 from verse 20
4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
4Wherefore my brethren, yee also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that ye should be married to another, euen to him who is raised from the dead, that wee should bring forth fruit vnto God,
5For when wee were in the flesh, the †motions of sinnes which were by the law, did worke in our members, to bring foorth fruit vnto death.
6But now wee are deliuered from the law, ‖that being dead wherein we were held, that we should serue in newnesse of spirit, and not in the oldnesse of the letter.
- 1 John 5:19Rank 6 from verse 20
- Hebrews 13:9Rank 7 from verse 20
9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
9Be not caried about with diuers and strange doctrines: for it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace, not with meates, which haue not profited them that haue beene occupied therein.
- 1 Peter 4:1–3Rank 8 from verse 20
1FORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
1¶ For asmuch then as Christ hath suffered for vs in the flesh, arme your selues likewise with the same minde: for hee that hath suffered in the flesh, hath ceassed from sinne:
2That he no longer should liue the rest of his time in the flesh, to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.
3For the time past of our life may suffice vs to haue wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciuiousnes, lusts, excesse of wine, reuellings, banquetings, and abhominable idolatries.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3Rank 9 from verse 20
- Galatians 2:19–20Rank 10 from verse 20
19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
19For I through y e Law, am dead to the Law, that I might liue vnto God.
20I am crucified with Christ. Neuertheles, I liue, yet not I, but Christ liueth in me, and the life which I now liue in the flesh, I liue by the faith of the sonne of God, who loued mee, and gaue himselfe for me.
- Galatians 4:9–12Rank 11 from verse 20
9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
9But now after that yee haue knowen God, or rather are knowen of God, how turne ye ‖againe to the weak and beggerly ‖Elements, whereunto ye desire againe to be in bondage?
10Yee obserue dayes, and moneths, and times, and yeeres.
11I am afraide of you, lest I haue bestowed vpon you labour in vaine.
12Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are, ye haue not iniured me at all.
- Ephesians 2:15Rank 12 from verse 20
15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
15Hauing abolished in his flesh the enmitie, euen the Lawe of Commandements conteined in Ordinances, for to make in himselfe, of twaine, one newe man, so making peace.
- Galatians 6:14Rank 13 from verse 20
4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
4Ye adulterers, and adulteresses, know yee not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoeuer therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.
- John 15:19Rank 15 from verse 20
19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
19If ye were of the world, the world would loue his owne: But because yee are not of the world, but I haue chosen you out of the world, therfore the world hateth you.
- John 17:14–16Rank 16 from verse 20
14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
14I haue giuen them thy word, and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, euen as I am not of the world.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keepe them from the euill.
16They are not of the world, euen as I am not of the world.
- Romans 6:2–11Rank 17 from verse 20
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
2God forbid: how shall wee that are dead to sinne, liue any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of vs as ‖were baptized into Iesus Christ, were baptized into his death?
4Therefore wee are buryed with him by baptisme into death, that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glorie of the Father: euen so wee also should walke in newnesse of life.
5For if we haue bene planted together in the likenesse of his death: wee shalbe also in the likenesse of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the bodie of sinne might bee destroyed, that hencefoorth we should not serue sinne.
7For he that is dead, is †freed from sinne.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we beleeue that we shal also liue with him:
9Knowing that Christ being raysed from the dead, dieth no more, death hath no more dominion ouer him.
10For in that he dyed, he dyed vnto sinne once: but in that hee liueth, hee liueth vnto God.
11Likewise reckon yee also your selues to be dead indeed vnto sinne: but aliue vnto God, through Iesus Christ our Lord.
- Colossians 3:3Rank 18 from verse 20
From verse 21
- 1 Timothy 4:3Rank 1 from verse 21
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to absteine from meates, which God hath created to bee receiued with thankesgiuing of them which beleeue, and know the trueth.
- Isaiah 52:11Rank 2 from verse 21
11¶ Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.
11¶ *Depart ye, depart ye, goe ye out from thence, touch no vncleane thing; goe ye out of the middest of her; be yee cleane, that beare the vessels of the LORD.
- Genesis 3:3Rank 3 from verse 21
- 2 Corinthians 6:17Rank 4 from verse 21
From verse 22
- Isaiah 29:13Rank 1 from verse 22
13¶ Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
13¶ *Wherefore the LORD said, Forasmuch as this people draw neere mee with their mouth, and with their lips doe honour me, but haue remoued their heart farre from me, and their feare towards mee is taught by the precept of men:
- Titus 1:14Rank 2 from verse 22
- 1 Corinthians 6:13Rank 3 from verse 22
13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.
13Meats for the belly, and the belly for meates: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord: and the Lord for the body.
- Mark 7:18–19Rank 4 from verse 22
18And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
18And he saith vnto them, Are ye so without vnderstanding also? Doe yee not perceiue that whatsoeuer thing from without entreth into the man, it cannot defile him,
19Because it entreth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
- Mark 7:7–13Rank 5 from verse 22
7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
7Howbeit in vaine doe they worship me, teaching for doctrines, the commandements of men.
8For laying aside the Commandement of God, yee hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots, and cups: and many other such like things ye doe.
9And he said vnto them, Full well ye ‖reiect the Commandement of God, that ye may keepe your owne tradition.
10For Moses said, Honour thy father & thy mother: and who so curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is *Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoeuer thou mightest be profited by me: he shalbe free.
12And ye suffer him no more to doe ought for his father, or his mother:
13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye haue deliuered: And many such like things doe ye.
27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
27‖Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth vnto euerlasting life, which the Sonne of man shall giue vnto you: *for him hath God the Father sealed.
- Matthew 15:3–9Rank 7 from verse 22
3But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
4For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
6And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
7Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
3But hee answered, and said vnto them, Why doe you also transgresse the Commandement of God by your tradition?
4For God commaunded, saying, *Honour thy father and mother: And *hee that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
5But yee say, Whosoeuer shall say to his father or his mother, * It is a gift by whatsoeuer thou mightest bee profited by me,
6And honour not his father or his mother, hee shall be free. Thus haue yee made the Commaundement of God of none effect by your tradition.
7Yee hypocrites, well did Esaias prophecie of you, saying,
8*This people draweth nigh vnto mee with their mouth, and honoureth mee with their lips: but their heart is farre from me.
9But in vaine they do worship me, teaching for doctrines, the commandements of men.
- Daniel 11:37Rank 8 from verse 22
- Isaiah 29:18Rank 9 from verse 22
- Revelation 17:18Rank 10 from verse 22
From verse 23
- 1 Timothy 4:8Rank 1 from verse 23
8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
8For bodily exercise profiteth ‖litle, but godlinesse is profitable vnto all things, hauing promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
- Colossians 2:18Rank 2 from verse 23
18Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
18Let no man ‖beguile you of your reward, †in a voluntary humilitie, and worshipping of Angels, intruding into those things which hee hath not seene, vainely puft vp by his fleshly minde:
- Colossians 2:22Rank 3 from verse 23
- Colossians 2:8Rank 4 from verse 23
8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
8Beware lest any man spoile you through Philosophie and vaine deceit, after the tradition of men, after the ‖rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:
- 2 Corinthians 11:13–15Rank 5 from verse 23
13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
13For such are false Apostles, deceitfull workers, transforming themselues into the Apostles of Christ.
14And no marueile, for Sathan himselfe is transformed into an Angel of light.
15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also bee transformed as the ministers of righteousnesse, whose end shall be according to their workes.
- Ephesians 5:29Rank 6 from verse 23
- Matthew 23:27–28Rank 7 from verse 23
27Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
27Woe vnto you Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for yee are like vnto whited sepulchres, which indeed appeare beautifull outward, but are within full of dead mens bones, and of all vncleannesse.
28Euen so, yee also outwardly appeare righteous vnto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisie and iniquitie.
- 1 Timothy 4:3Rank 8 from verse 23
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to absteine from meates, which God hath created to bee receiued with thankesgiuing of them which beleeue, and know the trueth.
- Genesis 3:5–6Rank 9 from verse 23
5For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
6And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
5For God doeth know, that in the day ye eate thereof, then your eyes shalbee opened: and yee shall bee as Gods, knowing good and euill.
6And the woman saw, that the tree was good for food, and that it was †pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she tooke of the fruit thereof, *and did eate, and gaue also vnto her husband with her, and hee did eate.
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 2:20
1. For that reason, or as a conclusion from what precedes; therefore or consequently. 2. For what reason or purpose; why.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Without life; deprived of life. Sense 2: Lifeless, inactive, insensible, or separated from a former state by figure.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The Anointed One; the same title as Messias.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604 · Webster 1828
Basic elements or principles.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616
Sense 1: Alive or having life. Sense 2: As a noun, one's means of support or possessions.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Under the authority, power, control, or obedience of another. Sense 2: Exposed, liable, or bound to the condition named.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 2:21
Sense 1: To perceive flavor by the mouth, or to eat or drink. Sense 2: Figuratively, to experience or partake of. As a noun, the sensation, flavor, or discernment received by tasting.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand. Sense 2: To treat or deal with.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 2:22
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Of a living person or creature, to die, be killed, be destroyed, or be lost. Sense 2: Of a thing, condition, plan, thought, or work, to be ruined, decay, fail, vanish, or come to nothing.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Present-participial or verbal-noun form of use, meaning to employ or be accustomed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. Later than or following in time or order. 2. Behind. 3. In pursuit of.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
commandments
Commands, orders, or prescribed requirements issued by one who commands.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Teachings or instructions.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Cawdrey 1604
DEFINED WORDS
Colossians 2:23
1. An interrogative or relative pronoun identifying one or more persons or things from a stated or implied set. 2. That which; what.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Truly, certainly, actually, or in fact; used for emphasis, confirmation, or concession before a contrast.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: To cause to see; to display, present, point out, or make visible. Sense 2: To reveal, disclose, declare, explain, teach, direct, or make known. Sense 3: To demonstrate, prove, manifest, or make evident. Sense 4: To exercise or perform kindness, mercy, favour, piety, or another stated disposition toward someone. Sense 5: An outward appearance, display, or presentation to view.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: Lowliness or humbleness of mind, opposed to pride and arrogance. Sense 2: An outward or self-chosen show of lowliness.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
COMBINED MEANING
neglecting
Denying proper care or indulgence.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The material frame of a person or creature. Sense 2: A visible form, mass, or main substance. Sense 3: A unified whole or company composed of members. Sense 4: Substantial reality distinguished from a shadow.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Esteem, respect, dignity, glory, distinction, or exalted standing. Sense 2: To esteem, respect, acknowledge, reward, or adorn.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
satisfying
Filling or supplying fully; contenting an appetite, desire, or need.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: The soft substance of the body. Sense 2: The body, human nature, kindred, or mankind.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
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19And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
19And not holding the head, from which all the body by ioynts and bands hauing nourishment ministred, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
20Wherefore if yee bee dead with Christ frō the ‖rudiments of the world: why, as though liuing in the world, are ye subiect to ordinances?
Selected passage21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
21(Touch not, taste not, handle not:
Selected passage22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
22Which all are to perish with the vsing) after the commandements and doctrines of men:
Selected passage23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
23Which things haue in deed a shew of wisedome in will-worship and humilitie, and ‖neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
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