Colossians 2:16

¶ Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:

Let {G2919} no {G3361} man {G5100} therefore {G3767} judge {G2919} you {G5209} in {G1722} meat {G1035}, or {G2228} in {G1722} drink {G4213}, or {G2228} in {G1722} respect {G3313} of an holyday {G1859}, or {G2228} of the new moon {G3561}, or {G2228} of the sabbath {G4521} days:

So don’t let anyone pass judgment on you in connection with eating and drinking, or in regard to a Jewish festival or Rosh-Hodesh or Shabbat.

Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day:

Colossians 2:16 stands as a powerful declaration of Christian freedom from legalistic observances, emphasizing the sufficiency of Christ for salvation and spiritual maturity.

Context

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Colossae, was confronting a dangerous heresy that combined elements of Jewish legalism, Gnosticism, and pagan philosophy. This false teaching sought to diminish the unique and supreme role of Jesus Christ by adding human traditions, ascetic practices, and ceremonial laws as necessary for spiritual advancement. In the preceding verses (Colossians 2:8-15), Paul asserts the completeness of believers in Christ, who has triumphed over all spiritual powers and fulfilled the Law. Verse 16 directly addresses the pressure from those who insisted on adherence to specific Old Testament practices.

Key Themes

  • Christian Liberty: The verse is a cornerstone for understanding the freedom believers have in Christ. Salvation and sanctification are not achieved through adherence to external rules concerning food, drink, or specific religious days, but through faith in Jesus. This liberty allows believers to serve God from the heart, not under compulsion of legalistic demands.
  • The Sufficiency of Christ: Paul's core argument throughout Colossians is that Christ is all-sufficient. He has fully accomplished redemption, making all Old Covenant shadows and rituals obsolete. Believers are "complete in him," rendering human additions unnecessary and even detrimental.
  • Warning Against Legalism: The passage warns against those who would "judge" (Greek: krinō, meaning to condemn or pass judgment on) believers based on their observance of ceremonial laws. This includes dietary restrictions ("meat, or in drink"), annual festivals ("holyday"), monthly observances ("new moon"), and weekly rest days ("sabbath days"). These were part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel, but are no longer binding on New Covenant believers.

Linguistic Insights

The terms "meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days" refer specifically to the ceremonial aspects of the Mosaic Law. Paul clarifies in the very next verse, Colossians 2:17, that "which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." This crucial insight explains that these Old Testament practices were symbolic pointers to the reality found in Christ, who is the substance. Once the reality (Christ) has come, the shadows are no longer needed as a means of approach to God or as a sign of righteousness.

Practical Application

For believers today, Colossians 2:16 serves as a vital reminder to guard against any teaching that adds human rules or rituals as requirements for salvation or spiritual growth beyond faith in Christ. It encourages a focus on the internal transformation wrought by the Spirit rather than external observances. While believers are called to live holy lives, these practices should flow from a heart of gratitude and love for Christ, not from a desire to earn favor or avoid condemnation from others. This verse champions Christian liberty, allowing believers to live out their faith in diverse ways without fear of judgment from those who impose man-made religious burdens. It echoes the sentiment that "the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 14:5

    One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day [alike]. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

  • Romans 14:6

    He that regardeth the day, regardeth [it] unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard [it]. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.

  • Romans 14:10

    But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

  • Galatians 4:10

    Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

  • Romans 14:13

    Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way.

  • Romans 14:17

    For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

  • Romans 14:2

    For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.

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