Colossians 2:20 kjva — Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject…

King James Version with Apocrypha

"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,"

— Colossians 2:20, King James Version with Apocrypha

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Colossians 2:20 in Other Translations

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Colossians 2 — Context

17

Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

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,

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,

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.

Colossians 2:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Colossians 2:20 say?
Colossians 2:20 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “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,”
Where is Colossians 2:20 in the Bible?
Colossians 2:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Colossians, chapter 2, verse 20.
Who wrote Colossians?
Colossians is traditionally attributed to Paul the Apostle (from prison). It was written c. AD 60–62.
What is the book of Colossians about?
To a church tempted by a Christ-plus-other-wisdom error, Paul writes one of Scripture's loftiest portraits of Jesus: "by him all things consist." In Christ is all the fullness of deity — and complete sufficiency for the believer. Practical instructions for new-creation living follow.
What are the major themes of Colossians?
Colossians explores themes including Supremacy of Christ, Fullness in Christ, New Life, Family, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of Colossians 2:20.
What translation should I read Colossians 2:20 in?
Colossians 2:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Colossians 2:20?
Colossians 2:20 reads (KJVA): “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,” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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