Devine Scripture

Colossians 2:20

What does Colossians 2:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Colossians 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Colossians 2:20 means

If believers died with Christ to the world’s elementary principles, it contradicts their new status to live as though still under those powers, submitting to human regulations. Death with Christ means release from the old rule of worldly, rudimentary systems that promise holiness through externals. Returning to them denies the effectiveness of Christ’s cross and the reality of union with Him. The question exposes the inconsistency: why accept bondage when freedom has been granted? Paul seeks to awaken them to their identity, so they will refuse yokes that Christ has already broken and instead live as those who belong to the risen Lord.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

If you were made free, by your death with Christ, from the rules of the world, why do you put yourselves under the authority of orders

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

If, then, ye did die with the Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

If then you be dead with Christ from the elements of this world, why do you yet decree as though living in the world?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

If ye have died with Christ from the elements of the world, why as [if] alive in [the] world do ye subject yourselves to ordinances?

Context

This verse applies the union-with-Christ theme to the Colossians’ relationship to worldly regulations. It sets up verses 21–22, which cite the ascetic slogans and underline their temporary, human origin. Verse 23 will deliver the final verdict on such practices: despite their impressive appearance, they lack power against the flesh.

v.19and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increaseth with the increase of God.

v.20This passage

v.21Handle not, nor taste, nor touch

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 4:4

    Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God.

  • Hebrews 13:9

    Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.

  • Ephesians 2:15

    having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace;

  • John 17:14

    I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

  • Colossians 3:3

    For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

  • John 15:19

    If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

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