King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:20 Mean?

Colossians 2:20 in the King James Version says “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject ...” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Colossians 2:20 · KJV

Context

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

21

(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious rules do you follow thinking they advance your standing with God beyond Christ's finished work?
  2. How does understanding your death with Christ affect your response to legalistic religious requirements?
  3. Where do you still live as though you hadn't died to the world's religious systems?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Εἰ1 of 17

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

οὖν2 of 17

“Wherefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἀπεθάνετε3 of 17

“ye be dead”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

σὺν4 of 17

“with”

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

τῷ5 of 17
G3588

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

Χριστῷ6 of 17

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

ἀπὸ7 of 17

“from”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῶν8 of 17
G3588

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

στοιχείων9 of 17

“the rudiments”

G4747

something orderly in arrangement, i.e., (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)

τοῦ10 of 17
G3588

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

κόσμῳ11 of 17

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τί12 of 17

“why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ὡς13 of 17

“as though”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ζῶντες14 of 17

“living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐν15 of 17

“in”

G1722

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

κόσμῳ16 of 17

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

δογματίζεσθε17 of 17

“are ye subject to ordinances”

G1379

to prescribe by statute, i.e., (reflexively) to submit to, ceremonially rule

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:8Colossians 2:16Colossians 2:14Galatians 4:3Romans 7:4-6Hebrews 13:9

Test Your Knowledge

Colossians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterColossians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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