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."