Colossians 2:20
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,
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Wherefore
G3767
οὖν
Wherefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 17
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
4 of 17
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στοιχείων
the rudiments
G4747
στοιχείων
the rudiments
Strong's:
G4747
Word #:
9 of 17
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
of the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
11 of 17
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τί
why
G5101
τί
why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
12 of 17
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὡς
as though
G5613
ὡς
as though
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
13 of 17
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
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 2:16Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:Colossians 2:14Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;Galatians 4:3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:Hebrews 13:9Be 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.1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.John 15:19If 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.2 Corinthians 10:3For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:James 4:4Ye 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.Galatians 6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Historical Context
Ancient religions prescribed detailed regulations governing diet, ritual, calendar, and conduct, promising spiritual advancement through observance. Judaism had detailed ceremonial law; Greek mystery religions required initiatory rites and taboos; pagan cults featured complex ritual systems. Paul argues that death with Christ liberates from all such systems—believers live under grace's freedom, not religious performance's bondage.
Questions for Reflection
- What religious rules do you follow thinking they advance your standing with God beyond Christ's finished work?
- How does understanding your death with Christ affect your response to legalistic religious requirements?
- Where do you still live as though you hadn't died to the world's religious systems?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
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. Paul argues from believers' death with Christ. "If ye be dead" (ei apethanete, εἰ ἀπεθάνετε) uses first-class condition assuming truth: "since you died." Union with Christ's death (2:12) severed connection to "rudiments of the world" (apo tōn stoicheiōn tou kosmou, ἀπὸ τῶν στοιχείων τοῦ κόσμου)—either elementary principles or spiritual powers governing this age.
"Why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances" (ti hōs zōntes en kosmō dogmatizesthe, τί ὡς ζῶντες ἐν κόσμῳ δογματίζεσθε) questions inconsistency: dead to the world but living under its regulations. Death severs obligations; corpses don't follow rules. Spiritually, believers died to this world system with Christ, liberating them from its religious requirements. Returning to such regulations denies their death-union with Christ.