Keraia
Colossians 2

Colossians 2:8

Alive with Christ · Colossians 2:6–23
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Translations

Modern
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Traditional
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Literal
See, lest there will be anyone taking you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ,
Latin
Videte ne quis vos decipiat per philosophiam, et inanem fallaciam secundum traditionem hominum, secundum elementa mundi, et non secundum Christum:

Original

Greek
English
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

Notes

Colossians 2:8

  • philosophy: The Greek word philosophia included everything from Plato's ideas about existence to religious teachings of false religions. Paul does not criticize philosophy itself, but only empty philosophical ideas that oppose the good news.

  • the spiritual forces of the world (also in 2:20): This phrase might refer to basic teachings common in this world (see Hebrews 5:12), or to spiritual beings believed to have powerful influence over historical events (see also Colossians 2:15, 20; Galatians 4:3).

Colossians 2:6–15

Paul urges the Colossians to stay strong in their faith in Christ, despite the tempting arguments of the false teachers. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity dwells in bodily form. Christ alone makes them complete.

Parallels

Ephesians 2:1–10

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Elemental Spirits, Elements Futility Letter to the Colossians Peter, Second Letter of Philosophy Principalities and Powers Uncircumcision

Topics

Agreement Bad Counsel Being Careful Being Consistent Being Deceived Being Like the World Being Responsible Believing Lies Celebrating Holidays Celebrating Pagan Holidays Chaplains Christian Minister: False and Corrupt Commitment to God Confronting Others Da Vinci Code Deceit: Saints: should Beware of Those Who Teach Doctrines: False Education Evolution Exposing False Teachers Fairies Fairy Tales False Doctrines: should be Avoided by Saints Freemasons Gnosticism Heedfulness: Necessary: Against False Christs, and False Prophets Heedfulness: Necessary: Against False Teachers Homeschooling Hypnosis Innocence Jesus, the Christ: Saviour Keeping a Good Name Masks Mind Mysticism Pagan Holidays People Judging You Philosophy: Rabbinical Pledges Postmodernism