20 [a]Therefore, if you (A)died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, (B)why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 (C)“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—(D)according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 (E)These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and [b]neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 2:20 NU, M omit Therefore
  2. Colossians 2:23 severe treatment, asceticism

20 Since you died with Christ(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:(C) 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish(D) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.(E) 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility(F) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

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