Key Verse Spotlight
Colossians 2:21 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” "
Colossians 2:21
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth.
20 If you died with Christ from the elemental spirits of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,
21 “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”
22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
23 These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, humility, and severity to the body, but aren’t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
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Colossians 2:1
"For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;"
Colossians 2:2
"that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,"
Colossians 2:3
"in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden."
Colossians 2:4
"Now I say this that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech."
Colossians 2:5
"For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ."
Colossians 2:6
"As therefore you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,"
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