Colossians 2 22

Colossians 2:22 kjv

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Colossians 2:22 nkjv

which all concern things which perish with the using? according to the commandments and doctrines of men?

Colossians 2:22 niv

These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.

Colossians 2:22 esv

(referring to things that all perish as they are used) ? according to human precepts and teachings?

Colossians 2:22 nlt

Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them.

Colossians 2 verses

Colossians 2 22 Meaning

This verse functions as a rhetorical question and a declarative statement, dismantling the value of human-made rules, especially concerning physical matters like food and drink. It asserts that things subject to such regulations are perishable and temporary by nature, destined to decay or be consumed. Therefore, imposing spiritual rules upon them is futile, as these "commandments and doctrines of men" possess no divine authority or lasting spiritual benefit for true sanctification or relationship with God.

Colossians 2 22 Context

Colossians chapter 2 serves as a pivotal warning from Paul against deceptive philosophies and human traditions that threatened to dilute or supersede the absolute sufficiency and supremacy of Jesus Christ. Paul passionately argues that believers are complete in Christ and need nothing more to attain spiritual maturity or righteousness. Verses 20-23 specifically address legalistic and ascetic teachings ("Touch not; taste not; handle not") prevalent among the Colossian false teachers. These teachings involved humanly devised rules, often involving physical privation, dietary restrictions, and rigid external observances, which the false teachers claimed led to spiritual advancement or wisdom. Verse 22 functions as a rhetorical question designed to expose the absurdity of such regulations by highlighting two core flaws: the transient nature of the physical things being regulated and the purely human origin of the rules themselves, which contrasts sharply with the divine, complete work of Christ.

Colossians 2 22 Word analysis

• Which all are: (Ha haptanta, hἁ πάντα). Refers to the physical items (foods, drinks, things touched/handled) mentioned in the preceding verse. The "all" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of these external prohibitions being critiqued.
• to perish: (eis phthoran, εἰς φθοράν). From phthora, meaning decay, corruption, or destruction. It indicates a process of dissolution or perishing, signifying the ephemeral and non-enduring nature of physical substances and, by extension, any spiritual value placed on them. The preposition eis denotes motion toward this state of decay.
• with the using: (te apokhresei, τῇ ἀποχρήσει). From apochrēsis, meaning consumption by use, wearing out, or being spent. It signifies that these physical items naturally deteriorate, are consumed, or cease to exist through their intended use. This highlights the inherent futility of spiritual rules applied to items that are, by design, temporary.
• after: (kata, κατά). In this context, it functions as "according to" or "in accordance with." It signifies the guiding principle or source behind the imposed rules.
• the commandments: (entolmasin, ἐντάλμασιν). From entalma, meaning a precept, command, or ordinance. These are specific, imposed rules of conduct or belief, often rigid and detailed.
• and doctrines: (kai didaskalias, καὶ διδασκαλίας). From didaskalia, meaning teaching or instruction. These represent the broader systematic teachings, principles, or philosophies that underpin and justify the specific commandments.
• of men: (tōn anthrōpōn, τῶν ἀνθρώπων). A critical and dismissive qualifier. It unequivocally states that the origin and authority of these "commandments and doctrines" are human, not divine. This contrasts them sharply with God's perfect law or Christ's divine authority, rendering them spiritually impotent and deceptive.

• All which things are to perish with the using: This phrase makes a direct theological argument: spiritual emphasis on material items is nonsensical because these items are transient by nature. Their very function leads to their destruction or consumption. This shows that focusing on what is temporal cannot lead to eternal spiritual gain. It also implicitly questions the divine authorship of such transient rules if God deals in eternal realities.
• after the commandments and doctrines of men: This strongly emphasizes the human source of these regulations, clearly separating them from divinely ordained principles. By attributing them to "men," Paul strips them of any redemptive power, spiritual merit, or ultimate authority, marking them as human constructs that mislead from the sufficiency found in Christ. It critiques human wisdom attempting to dictate spiritual life, a wisdom that often contradicts the wisdom of God revealed in Christ.

Colossians 2 22 Bonus section

The structure of Colossians 2:22 as a rhetorical question effectively anticipates and dismisses the underlying assumptions of the false teachers. It highlights a common trap of spiritualizing material practices, thereby losing sight of the eternal spiritual realities accomplished through Christ. This type of human-centric religious pursuit is often marked by a reliance on outward conformity and self-effort, leading to a focus on what one does or abstains from, rather than a transformative relationship with the Indwelling Spirit of Christ. The phrase "perish with the using" exposes the illusion of lasting spiritual benefit from transient, earthly concerns. These "commandments and doctrines of men" constitute a direct affront to the all-sufficient work of Christ on the cross, who has already "canceled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands" (Col 2:14). They pull believers back under a "yoke of bondage" (Gal 5:1), fundamentally misinterpreting the nature of Christian liberty and true righteousness.

Colossians 2 22 Commentary

Colossians 2:22 is a poignant rhetorical critique challenging the false teachings plaguing the Colossian church. Paul argues that focusing on rules like "Touch not; taste not; handle not" is absurd for two main reasons: the objects of these rules (foods, physical items) are inherently perishable and vanish upon use, and the rules themselves originate from human thought rather than divine revelation. Therefore, these external observances, no matter how self-disciplined or pious they appear, provide no true spiritual benefit, transformation, or freedom from the sinful nature. They represent a bondage to human systems, diverting believers from the complete spiritual life already found in Christ, who has triumphed over all such worldly elements and offers true freedom and completion. This verse reinforces Christ's supreme sufficiency against any form of legalism or asceticism.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • Falsely believing that strict, human-mandated dietary restrictions (beyond health or specific Scriptural principles like fasting) are a direct pathway to greater holiness.
  • Seeking spiritual merit or perceived piety through physical austerity or deprivation imposed by unbiblical traditions rather than a transformed heart by faith in Christ.
  • Elevating church traditions or rituals invented by humans to the same level of authority as God's written Word.