BibleWord.ai› Bible› Colossians› Chapter 2› Verse 22

Colossians 2:22

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Colossians 2:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Colossians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increasing with the increase of God.
20If ye died with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances,
21Handle not, nor taste, nor touch
22(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; [but are] not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
← Colossians 2:21Colossians 2:23 →
← Full Chapter 2 Colossians Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Which all are to perish with the using, etc.] Meaning either the ordinances concerning touching, tasting, and handling, which bring destruction and death on them that use them, and comply with them, in order to obtain righteousness and life; for instead of enjoying salvation through them, they were the cause of damnation to them. Or rather the meats not to be touched, tasted, or handled; these are in their own nature perishing things, and perish by being used; they are only of service to the body, and can be of none to the soul; the using of them cannot defile the man, nor an abstinence from them sanctify him, or commend him to God; they only relate to this present life, and will cease with…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Which--things, namely, the three things handled, touched, and tasted. are to perish--literally, "are constituted (by their very nature) for perishing (or 'destruction by corruption') in (or 'with') their using up (consumption)." Therefore they cannot really and lastingly defile a man (Mat 15:17; Co1 6:13). after--according to. Referring to Col 2:20-21. All these "ordinances" are according to human, not divine, injunction. doctrines--Greek, teachings." ALFORD translates, "(doctrinal) systems."”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Which all are to perish with the using - This is commonly marked as a part of the parenthesis, or the quotation; and there is considerable difficulty in ascertaining its true meaning. It seems most probable that these are the words of the apostle himself, thrown in in the rapidity of composition, and that they are not to be connected with the phrase “touch not,” etc. If so, the idea is, that it cannot be of so much consequence as the Jewish teachers supposed, to mark distinctly the difference between meats and drinks. They were all to perish with the use of them. Nothing was permanent about them. It could really then be of no great importance what was eaten, or what was drunk, provided it…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Perish in the using - Have no farther use, no influence on the mind. Colossians 2:23”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“to: Mar 7:18, Mar 7:19; Joh 6:27; Co1 6:13 after: Isa 29:13, Isa 29:18; Dan 11:37; Mat 15:3-9; Mar 7:7-13; Tit 1:14; Rev 17:18 Colossians 2:23”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Colossians 2 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification