Colossians 2:20

Authorized King James Version

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,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Εἰ
G1487
if
if, whether, that, etc
#2
οὖν
G3767
Wherefore
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἀπεθάνετε
G599
ye be dead
to die off (literally or figuratively)
#4
σὺν
G4862
with
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
#5
τῷ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
Χριστῷ
G5547
Christ
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
#7
ἀπὸ
G575
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#8
τῶν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
στοιχείων
G4747
the rudiments
something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
#10
τοῦ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
κόσμῳ
G2889
of the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#12
τί
G5101
why
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
#13
ὡς
G5613
as though
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#14
ζῶντες
G2198
living
to live (literally or figuratively)
#15
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#16
κόσμῳ
G2889
of the world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#17
δογματίζεσθε
G1379
are ye subject to ordinances
to prescribe by statute, i.e., (reflexively) to submit to, ceremonially rule

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Colossians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection