King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:16 Mean?

Colossians 2:16 in the King James Version says “Let 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 ...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Let 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: in meat: or, for eating and drinking respect: or, part”

Colossians 2:16 · KJV

Context

14

Blotting 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;

15

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly , triumphing over them in it. in it: or, in himself

16

Let 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: in meat: or, for eating and drinking respect: or, part

17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

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, beguile: or, judge against you in a: Gr. being a voluntary in humility

Read Colossians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let 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. Based on Christ's victory ("therefore," oun, οὖν), Paul draws practical implications. "Let no man judge you" (mē oun tis hymas krinetō, μὴ οὖν τις ὑμᾶς κρινέτω) prohibits accepting external religious condemnation regarding ceremonial matters: dietary laws ("meat, or in drink"), sacred calendar ("holyday, or of the new moon"), and Sabbath observance.

These were distinctively Jewish regulations prescribed by Mosaic Law. False teachers apparently insisted Gentile Christians adopt Jewish ceremonial practices for spiritual maturity. Paul liberates believers from such requirements—not promoting libertinism but recognizing Christ fulfilled these shadows, making their literal observance unnecessary. Christians enjoy freedom from ceremonial law's binding authority, though may voluntarily observe such practices for other reasons (Romans 14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Seventh-day Sabbath, dietary restrictions, and festival calendar marked Jewish covenant identity, separating Jews from Gentiles. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) decided Gentile Christians didn't need these requirements, yet Judaizing pressure persisted. Paul repeatedly fought this battle (Galatians, Romans), defending gospel freedom against legalistic additions. The Colossian heresy added Jewish ceremonialism to Greek philosophy and mysticism, creating comprehensive system replacing simple faith in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious rules or days do you observe thinking they're required for God's acceptance or spiritual growth?
  2. How do you balance Christian freedom with voluntary practices that benefit spiritual life without being mandatory?
  3. Where might you judge other Christians for not observing practices you consider important but Scripture makes optional?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
Μὴ1 of 18

“no”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

οὖν2 of 18

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τις3 of 18

“man”

G5100

some or any person or object

ὑμᾶς4 of 18

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

κρινέτω5 of 18

“Let”

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

ἐν6 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

βρώσει7 of 18

“meat”

G1035

(abstractly) eating (literally or figuratively); by extension (concretely) food (literally or figuratively)

ἢ8 of 18

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐν9 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πόσει10 of 18

“drink”

G4213

a drinking (the act), i.e., (concretely) a draught

ἢ11 of 18

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

ἐν12 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

μέρει13 of 18

“respect”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἑορτῆς14 of 18

“of an holyday”

G1859

a festival

ἢ15 of 18

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

νουμηνίας16 of 18

“of the new moon”

G3561

the festival of new moon

ἢ17 of 18

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

σαββάτων·18 of 18

“of the sabbath”

G4521

the sabbath (i.e., shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight,

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 14:5-6Romans 14:10Galatians 4:10Romans 14:13-17Romans 14:2-3Hebrews 13:9

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