King James Version

What Does Colossians 2:23 Mean?

Colossians 2:23 in the King James Version says “Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour t... — study this verse from Colossians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. neglecting: or, punishing, or, not sparing

Colossians 2:23 · KJV


Context

21

(Touch not; taste not; handle not;

22

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

23

Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. neglecting: or, punishing, or, not sparing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Paul concludes by exposing asceticism's failure. These practices "have a shew of wisdom" (logon men echonta sophias, λόγον μὲν ἔχοντα σοφίας, "have appearance of wisdom")—they look impressive, disciplined, spiritual. "Will worship" (ethelothrēskeia, ἐθελοθρησκείᾳ, "self-made religion"), "humility" (tapeinophrosynē, ταπεινοφροσύνῃ), and "neglecting of the body" (apheidia sōmatos, ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος, "harsh treatment of body") create appearance of advanced spirituality.

But they are "not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh" (ouk en timē tini pros plēsmonēn tēs sarkos, οὐκ ἐν τιμῇ τινι πρὸς πλησμονὴν τῆς σαρκός). This difficult phrase likely means: not valuable for restraining fleshly indulgence. Despite impressive appearance, ascetic regulations cannot actually transform character or defeat sin. They produce external conformity while leaving the heart unchanged, even feeding spiritual pride through religious achievement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout church history, ascetic movements promised spiritual advancement through physical deprivation: monasticism, extreme fasting, celibacy, poverty vows, self-flagellation. While discipline has legitimate role (1 Corinthians 9:27), asceticism as path to holiness consistently fails, either producing legalistic pride or collapsing under human weakness. True transformation comes through Spirit-empowered faith working through love (Galatians 5:6), not fleshly religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What religious practices do you emphasize for their impressive appearance rather than genuine spiritual effectiveness?
  2. How do you pursue holiness—through external rule-keeping or internal transformation by the Spirit?
  3. Where might ascetic practices in your life feed pride rather than produce genuine humility and love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἅτινά1 of 21

Which things

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

ἐστιν2 of 21

a shew

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

λόγον3 of 21
G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

μὲν4 of 21

indeed

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἔχοντα5 of 21

have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

σοφίας6 of 21

of wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

ἐν7 of 21

in

G1722

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

ἐθελοθρησκεία8 of 21

will worship

G1479

voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e., sanctimony

καὶ9 of 21

and

G2532

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

ταπεινοφροσύνῃ10 of 21

humility

G5012

humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty

καὶ11 of 21

and

G2532

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

ἀφειδίᾳ12 of 21

neglecting

G857

unsparingness, i.e., austerity (asceticism)

σώματος13 of 21

of the body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

οὐκ14 of 21

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐν15 of 21

in

G1722

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

τιμῇ16 of 21

honour

G5092

a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself

τινι17 of 21

any

G5100

some or any person or object

πρὸς18 of 21

to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

πλησμονὴν19 of 21

the satisfying

G4140

a filling up, i.e., (figuratively) gratification

τῆς20 of 21
G3588

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

σαρκός21 of 21

of the flesh

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


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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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