Col 2:20, 22 | JFB | STEP | 20. Wherefore-- The oldest manuscripts omit "Wherefore." if ye be dead-- Greek, "if ye died (so as to be freed) from," &c. (compare ; , ; ). rudiments of the world-- ( ). Carnal, outward, worldly, legal ordinances. as though living-- as though you were not dead to the world like your crucified Lord, into whose death ye were buried ( ; , ). are ye subject to ordinances-- By do ye submit to be made subject to ordinances? Referring to : you are again being made subject to "ordinances," the "handwriting" of which had been "blotted out" ( ).

‏ Colossians 2:20

20. Wherefore--The oldest manuscripts omit "Wherefore."

if ye be dead--Greek, "if ye died (so as to be freed) from," &c. (compare Ro 6:2; 7:2, 3; Ga 2:19).

rudiments of the world--(Col 2:8). Carnal, outward, worldly, legal ordinances.

as though living--as though you were not dead to the world like your crucified Lord, into whose death ye were buried (Ga 6:14; 1Pe 4:1, 2).

are ye subject to ordinances--By do ye submit to be made subject to ordinances? Referring to Col 2:14: you are again being made subject to "ordinances," the "handwriting" of which had been "blotted out" (Col 2:14).

‏ Colossians 2:22

22. 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 (Mt 15:17; 1Co 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."