Colossians 2:18
Let 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,
Original Language Analysis
καταβραβευέτω
Let
G2603
καταβραβευέτω
Let
Strong's:
G2603
Word #:
3 of 22
to award the price against, i.e., (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation)
θέλων
a voluntary
G2309
θέλων
a voluntary
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
4 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγγέλων
of angels
G32
ἀγγέλων
of angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
10 of 22
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
ἃ
those things which
G3739
ἃ
those things which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἑώρακεν
he hath
G3708
ἑώρακεν
he hath
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
13 of 22
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
ἐμβατεύων
intruding into
G1687
ἐμβατεύων
intruding into
Strong's:
G1687
Word #:
14 of 22
equivalent to g1684; to intrude on (figuratively)
φυσιούμενος
puffed up
G5448
φυσιούμενος
puffed up
Strong's:
G5448
Word #:
16 of 22
to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)
ὑπὸ
by
G5259
ὑπὸ
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
17 of 22
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νοὸς
mind
G3563
νοὸς
mind
Strong's:
G3563
Word #:
19 of 22
the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Colossians 2:8Beware 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.Colossians 2:23Which 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.1 Timothy 1:7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.1 Timothy 4:1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;Romans 1:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.Matthew 24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.2 Corinthians 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.Revelation 3:11Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.1 John 2:26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Historical Context
Angel worship characterized various religious movements in Asia Minor. Jewish mysticism explored Merkabah visions ascending through angelic realms. Greek mystery religions featured divine intermediaries. The Colossian syncretism apparently combined these, teaching that angels mediated between transcendent God and material world, requiring veneration. Paul demolishes such teaching: Christ is the exclusive mediator (1 Timothy 2:5); approaching God directly through Christ shows proper humility; seeking angelic intermediaries demonstrates pride disguised as humility.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual practices do you pursue thinking they display humility but might actually reflect pride in religious achievement?
- How do you evaluate claims of special visions, revelations, or mystical experiences beyond Scripture?
- Where might you overcomplicate approaching God, adding unnecessary intermediaries or techniques to simple faith in Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let 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. Paul warns against being defrauded (katabrabeuetō, καταβραβευέτω, literally "act as umpire against") by false teachers promoting "voluntary humility" (thelotheriskeian kai thrēskeia, θελοθρησκείᾳ, "self-imposed religion") and "worshipping of angels" (thrēskeia tōn angelōn, θρησκείᾳ τῶν ἀγγέλων).
"Intruding into those things which he hath not seen" (ha heoraken embateuōn, ἃ ἑόρακεν ἐμβατεύων) describes those claiming mystical visions or secret revelations. Despite appearing humble through asceticism and claiming unworthiness to approach God directly (hence angel mediators), such teachers are "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind" (eikē physiomenos hypo tou noos tēs sarkos autou, εἰκῇ φυσιούμενος ὑπὸ τοῦ νοὸς τῆς σαρκὸς αὐτοῦ)—arrogantly proud of false humility, creating spiritual elitism through mystical experiences.