King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:18 Mean?

Colossians 2:18 in the King James Version says “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things whi...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Colossians 2:18 · KJV

Context

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

19

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

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, rudiments: or, elements

Read Colossians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What spiritual practices do you pursue thinking they display humility but might actually reflect pride in religious achievement?
  2. How do you evaluate claims of special visions, revelations, or mystical experiences beyond Scripture?
  3. Where might you overcomplicate approaching God, adding unnecessary intermediaries or techniques to simple faith in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
μηδεὶς1 of 22

“no man”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ὑμᾶς2 of 22

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καταβραβευέτω3 of 22

“Let”

G2603

to award the price against, i.e., (figuratively) to defraud (of salvation)

θέλων4 of 22

“a voluntary”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

ἐν5 of 22

“in”

G1722

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

ταπεινοφροσύνῃ6 of 22

“humility”

G5012

humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty

καὶ7 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θρησκείᾳ8 of 22

“worshipping”

G2356

ceremonial observance

τῶν9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀγγέλων10 of 22

“of angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

ἃ11 of 22

“those things which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

μὴ12 of 22

“not”

G3361

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

ἑώρακεν13 of 22

“he hath”

G3708

by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear

ἐμβατεύων14 of 22

“intruding into”

G1687

equivalent to g1684; to intrude on (figuratively)

εἰκῇ15 of 22

“vainly”

G1500

idly, i.e., without reason (or effect)

φυσιούμενος16 of 22

“puffed up”

G5448

to inflate, i.e., (figuratively) make proud (haughty)

ὑπὸ17 of 22

“by”

G5259

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 (

τοῦ18 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νοὸς19 of 22

“mind”

G3563

the intellect, i.e., mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning

τῆς20 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σαρκὸς21 of 22

“fleshly”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

αὐτοῦ22 of 22
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

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 2:18 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 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:81 John 4:1-2Colossians 2:231 Timothy 1:71 Timothy 4:1Revelation 22:8-9

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