Colossians 2:23
What does Colossians 2:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Colossians 2:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Colossians 2:23 means
Such practices may look wise—self-made religion, a show of humility, and harsh treatment of the body—but they fail to restrain the indulgence of the flesh. Asceticism can produce pride as easily as piety, and outward severity often masks inward desire. Humanly invented worship impresses people but does not change hearts. Only union with Christ, by the Spirit, puts sinful cravings to death and brings real holiness. Therefore, the church must reject substitutes that promise mastery over sin through technique. The answer to the flesh is not bondage to rules but abiding in the crucified and risen Lord, whose grace teaches and empowers true godliness.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Which 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949These things seem to have a sort of wisdom in self-ordered worship and making little of oneself, and being cruel to the body, not honouring it by giving it its natural use.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862which are, indeed, having a matter of wisdom in will-worship, and humble-mindedness, and neglecting of body--not in any honour, unto a satisfying of the flesh.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in superstition and humility, and not sparing the body; not in any honour to the filling of the flesh.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(which have indeed an appearance of wisdom in voluntary worship, and humility, and harsh treatment of the body, not in a certain honour,) to [the] satisfaction of the flesh.
Context
This concluding verse delivers Paul’s verdict on man-made regulations. It ties the chapter together: Christ’s fullness (verses 9–10), our union and forgiveness (verses 11–15), and the futility of shadows, mysticism, and asceticism (verses 16–22). The stage is set for the positive call that follows in the letter: to seek the things above and live out the new life in Christ, drawing power from Him rather than from human prescriptions.
v.22(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?
v.23This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 3:5
for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
- Ephesians 5:29
for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church;
- Matthew 23:27
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
- Colossians 2:22
(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?
- Colossians 2:18
Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
- 1 Timothy 4:8
for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.
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