Colossians 2:21-23 Meaning: When Rules Look Like Wisdom
21“Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch”
22(all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?
23These 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.
21(Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23Which 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.
21Handle not, nor taste, nor touch
22(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?
23Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but are not of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.
21--thou mayest not touch, nor taste, nor handle--
22which are all for destruction with the using, after the commands and teachings of men,
23which are, indeed, having a matter of wisdom in will-worship, and humble-mindedness, and neglecting of body--not in any honour, unto a satisfying of the flesh.
21Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,
22(things which are all for destruction in the using [of them]:) according to the injunctions and teachings of men,
23(which have indeed an appearance of wisdom in voluntary worship, and humility, and harsh treatment of the body, not in a certain honour,) to [the] satisfaction of the flesh.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul quotes false teachers' rules, then shows these human commands have no power against sin. True freedom is in Christ, not asceticism.
Context
Paul is writing to a church being drawn away by teachers who mix Jewish regulations with extreme self-denial. These teachers insist that holiness comes through strict rules touching food, drink, and sacred objects. In verse 21, Paul quotes their actual commands: "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch." But he is not endorsing these rules. He is exposing them. The whole passage (verses 20-23) argues that since believers died with Christ to the world's powerless principles, they should not go back to living by human ordinances. These rules may sound holy, but they are merely human inventions, and they cannot do what they claim: conquer the desires of the flesh.
Key Words
The three prohibitions form a climbing stair: haptō (to fasten onto or cling to), geuō (to taste), and thinganō (a light, quick touch). The false teachers made their rules increasingly strict, as if even brushing against something could defile a person. The rules sound impressive, but Paul says they are just human commands.
The Greek word ethelothrēskeia appears only here. It means "self-imposed worship" or "will-worship" a worship someone makes up on their own, outside of God's direction. It may look humble and serious, but it is religion designed by the human heart, not revealed by God.
Then Paul uses plēsmonē for "indulgence of the flesh" it means repletion, satiating desire. The harshest rules still cannot satisfy the appetites they are meant to control. They feed pride, not freedom.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions agree this passage condemns adding human requirements to the gospel as necessary for salvation. Protestant commentators like Calvin and Matthew Henry stress that such rules replace trust in Christ alone. Catholic interpreters (including the Douay-Rheims tradition) also read this as a warning against self-made religion, though they distinguish between human traditions and the Church's God-given authority. The Eastern Orthodox tradition notes the danger of ethelothrēskeia as a counterfeit asceticism that misses the heart. All teach that the passage guards Christian freedom: what looks like wisdom can be a trap.
A common misunderstanding
Many readers think Paul is giving a command: "Don't handle, taste, or touch certain things." In fact, he is quoting the false teachers' demands and then rejecting them. The whole point of the passage is that such rules have a false appearance of wisdom but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. If you read verse 21 as Paul's own instruction, you miss the argument entirely.
Living This Out
Think about the spiritual disciplines or habits you lean on most, maybe a strict fast, a set of "don't" rules about entertainment, or a rigorous morning routine. If you are trusting those to make you right with God, Paul calls that self-made religion. This week, ask yourself: Am I relying on this practice to manage my sin, or am I relying on Christ? Let the rules serve your freedom, not become your identity.
Main takeaway: Human rules cannot conquer sin; only life with Christ brings real freedom and change from the inside out.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Some people thought that if they said "don't touch that, don't eat that, don't even taste it," they would be good enough for God. Paul says those rules can't really help us. What helps is trusting Jesus.
For ages 9, 12
Have you ever made a rule for yourself like "I'll never eat junk food" or "I'll stop playing video games" to try to be a better Christian? Those rules can look like wisdom, but Paul warns that they don't actually change your heart. Only Jesus can free you from the things you actually struggle with. Strict rules can make you feel proud, but they can't give you power over sin. Let Jesus be your freedom, not your rulebook.
Questions People Ask
Is Paul commanding us not to touch or taste certain things in Colossians 2:21?
No. Paul is quoting the false teachers' own prohibitions. He then explains that such rules are mere human commands, have a show of wisdom but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. The whole argument is against imposing these rules as necessary for holiness.
What does 'self-imposed worship' mean in Colossians 2:23?
The Greek word is ethelothrēskeia, which means a worship someone invents on their own. It looks religious and humble, but it is not commanded by God. Paul warns that such worship, however strict, cannot actually control sinful desires.
What does 'no value against the indulgence of the flesh' mean at the end of Colossians 2:23?
Paul says that no matter how severe these rules are, they cannot satisfy or defeat the desires of the sinful nature. They might curb certain behaviors temporarily, but they don't address the root of sin in the heart. True freedom comes from Christ, not from external restrictions.
Does Colossians 2:21-23 mean Christian disciplines like fasting are wrong?
Not at all. The problem is when people treat disciplines as if they earn God's favor or conquer sin by themselves. Fasting and other practices can be helpful when they direct us to depend on God, but they are worthless when done as self-made religion or as a way to feel spiritually superior. Paul wants our trust in Christ, not in our own efforts.
How did the Jewish teachers come up with the rules quoted in Colossians 2:21?
These teachers built upon Old Testament laws about clean and unclean objects, and they added many more restrictions to create a hedge around the law. As commentators like Gill and Clarke note, they taught that even touching certain things could defile a person. Paul quotes their escalating rules to show how far they had strayed from the gospel.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study