Colossians 2:22

KJV

Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

KJV (with Strong's)

Which {G3739} all {G3956} are {G2076} to {G1519} perish {G5356} with the using {G671};) after {G2596} the commandments {G1778} and {G2532} doctrines {G1319} of men {G444}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Such prohibitions are concerned with things meant to perish by being used [not by being avoided!], and they are based on man-made rules and teachings.

Berean Standard Bible

These will all perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.

American Standard Version

(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:22 serves as a pointed rhetorical question within Paul's broader argument against legalistic and ascetic practices that were infiltrating the Colossian church. The verse highlights the inherent futility and transient nature of human-made regulations and philosophies, particularly those related to external observances, by emphasizing that such things are destined to "perish with the using." It underscores the critical distinction between divine truth and human traditions, ultimately pointing to the supreme and enduring sufficiency of Christ over any temporal, man-made system of righteousness or spiritual attainment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Colossians 2:22 concludes a powerful section (Colossians 2:16-23) where Paul directly confronts the false teachings threatening the Colossian believers. Having established the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in earlier verses, particularly that believers are "complete in him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")), Paul moves to dismantle specific errors. He first warns against those who would judge believers based on dietary laws, festivals, new moons, or sabbath days, labeling these as mere "shadows" whose "substance is of Christ" ([Colossians 2:16-17](/colossians/2-16-17 "Colossians 2:16-17 - Shadows and Substance")). He then addresses ascetic practices and angel worship, which stem from a false humility and reliance on human visions rather than Christ, the Head ([Colossians 2:18-19](/colossians/2-18-19 "Colossians 2:18-19 - Do Not Be Disqualified")). Verse 20 asserts that believers have "died with Christ from the rudiments of the world," implying a liberation from elemental spiritual forces and worldly principles. The preceding verse, [Colossians 2:21](/colossians/2-21 "Colossians 2:21 - Touch Not, Taste Not, Handle Not"), provides concrete examples of these human-imposed regulations ("Touch not; taste not; handle not"). Verse 22 then functions as a rhetorical question, powerfully exposing the inherent weakness and impermanence of such rules, which are tied to things that are consumed and perish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Colossae was a melting pot of various religious and philosophical influences, making its Christian community particularly vulnerable to syncretistic teachings. The errors Paul addresses appear to be a blend of Jewish legalism (observance of food laws, festivals, sabbaths) and a form of ascetic Gnosticism or proto-Gnosticism (emphasis on secret knowledge, harsh bodily discipline, and the worship of intermediate spiritual beings like angels). Jewish elements likely stemmed from an attempt to impose Old Testament ceremonial laws on New Testament believers, perhaps arguing for their necessity for spiritual perfection. The ascetic practices, such as self-abasement and severe discipline of the body, were common in various philosophical schools of the Hellenistic world, believed to lead to higher spiritual insight or purity. These practices, often combined with mystical experiences or visions, were presented as a superior path to spiritual maturity beyond simple faith in Christ. Paul's letter directly counters this by asserting that true spiritual completeness and access to God come solely through Christ, rendering all human-devised rituals and self-imposed austerities obsolete and ultimately worthless.
* **Key Themes:** Colossians 2:22 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. It powerfully reinforces the **Futility of Legalism**, demonstrating that human-made rules concerning external observances are ultimately useless for genuine spiritual growth or salvation. These regulations, exemplified by the "touch not; taste not; handle not" of [Colossians 2:21](/colossians/2-21 "Colossians 2:21 - External Regulations"), do not address the heart and are temporary in nature. This leads to the theme of **Temporary vs. Eternal**, where the phrase "which all are to perish with the using" highlights the transient nature of physical things and the regulations surrounding them, contrasting sharply with the enduring, eternal spiritual truths found in Christ. Furthermore, the verse sharply delineates **Human vs. Divine Authority**, contrasting "the commandments and doctrines of men" with the divine revelation in Christ, echoing warnings elsewhere in Scripture against prioritizing human traditions over God's word, as seen in [Mark 7:7](/mark/7-7 "Mark 7:7 - Teaching Human Doctrines"). Underlying all these is the foundational theme of the **Sufficiency of Christ**, asserting that true spiritual life and freedom are found in Christ alone, not in adherence to burdensome or man-made regulations that promise spiritual benefit but deliver only emptiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perish (Greek, _phthorá'_):** From φθείρω (phtheirō), meaning "decay, ruin (spontaneous or inflicted, literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies the inherent destructibility, corruption, or obsolescence of the things being regulated. It emphasizes that the objects of these rules (food, drink, etc.) are consumed and pass away, and by extension, the rules themselves, being tied to such transient things, also lack enduring value.
* **commandments (Greek, _éntalma'_):** From ἐντέλλομαι (entellomai), meaning "an injunction, i.e., religious precept." This term refers to specific, prescribed rules or ordinances. Paul uses it here to denote humanly devised regulations, distinguishing them sharply from divine commands. It highlights the human origin of these precepts, which are presented as requirements for spiritual standing.
* **doctrines (Greek, _didaskalía'_):** From διδάσκαλος (didaskalos), meaning "instruction (the function or the information)." This word refers to teachings or doctrines. When paired with "commandments," it indicates the broader body of teaching or philosophy that underpins these human rules. It underscores that these are not merely isolated rules but part of a system of thought originating from human wisdom rather than divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which all are to perish with the using;)"**: This clause refers back to the external, physical things mentioned in the preceding verse (Colossians 2:21) such as food, drink, and other tangible items that are subject to human regulations ("touch not; taste not; handle not"). The phrase "to perish with the using" (Greek: _eis phthoran te apóchrēsei_) powerfully conveys the idea that these things are consumed, worn out, or become useless through their very application or consumption. It highlights their ephemeral, transient nature. Paul's point is that if the objects of these rules are perishable, then the rules themselves, which govern such temporary things, are also inherently temporary and lack eternal significance or spiritual efficacy.
* **"after the commandments and doctrines of men?"**: This rhetorical question exposes the source and authority of the regulations being critiqued. The phrase "after the commandments and doctrines of men" (Greek: _katá entálmata kaí didaskalías anthrōpōn_) clearly identifies these rules and teachings as originating from human wisdom, tradition, or philosophy, rather than from God's divine revelation or Christ's authority. The interrogative nature of the sentence ("?") implies a strong negative answer, emphasizing the absurdity of adhering to such human-made systems when believers have died with Christ to the "rudiments of the world." It challenges the Colossians to recognize the inferior and ultimately valueless nature of these human inventions compared to the all-sufficient work of Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** in Colossians 2:22. By posing the statement as a question ("Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"), he does not seek an answer from his readers but rather forces them to confront the logical conclusion of his argument. This device serves to emphasize the absurdity and futility of adhering to human-made rules that govern perishable things. It is a persuasive technique designed to elicit agreement and reinforce the correct theological perspective. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** or **Antithesis** at play. Paul consistently contrasts the "rudiments of the world," human traditions, and perishable things with the eternal, divine reality found in Christ. The transient nature of "things to perish with the using" stands in stark opposition to the enduring and complete salvation offered through Christ, highlighting the qualitative difference between human efforts and divine grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:22 is a foundational verse for understanding Christian liberty and the dangers of legalism. Theologically, it asserts that true spiritual life is not found in adherence to external rituals, dietary restrictions, or self-imposed asceticism, but in the inner transformation and sufficiency provided by Christ. It underscores the New Covenant reality where the old shadows and human traditions are superseded by the substance found in Jesus. This verse challenges any system that attempts to add human works or regulations as a prerequisite for spiritual growth or acceptance before God, thereby diminishing the complete work of Christ. It reminds believers that our walk of faith is governed by the Spirit and the truth of Christ, not by the shifting "commandments and doctrines of men" which are ultimately perishable and without eternal value.

* [Mark 7:7](/mark/7-7 "Mark 7:7 - Teaching Human Doctrines")
* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Fast in Liberty")
* [Hebrews 9:10](/hebrews/9-10 "Hebrews 9:10 - Regulations Until the Time of Reformation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:22 offers timeless wisdom for believers today, serving as a critical reminder to evaluate the source and efficacy of our spiritual practices. In a world often driven by performance, self-improvement, and external validation, it is easy for even well-intentioned Christians to slip into a form of legalism, believing that stricter adherence to certain rules or disciplines will earn them greater favor with God or a deeper spiritual experience. This verse calls us to examine whether our faith is genuinely rooted in the finished work of Christ and His indwelling Spirit, or if we are inadvertently relying on human traditions, cultural norms, or self-imposed regulations that ultimately "perish with the using." True spiritual maturity and freedom are found not in what we abstain from or meticulously observe, but in our deepening relationship with Christ, who has already made us complete. We are called to live in the liberty purchased by His sacrifice, discerning carefully between biblical commands and the "commandments and doctrines of men" that can subtly enslave us and detract from the glorious simplicity and power of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "commandments and doctrines of men" might I be inadvertently following that detract from the sufficiency of Christ in my life?**
* **How does my daily spiritual practice reflect a reliance on Christ's completed work rather than on my own efforts or external rules?**
* **In what areas of my faith might I be prioritizing perishable external observances over eternal spiritual truths?**
* **How can I better discern between genuine biblical principles and human traditions that lack lasting spiritual value?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean all rules are bad, or that Christians should not have any disciplines?**

Answer: No, this verse does not condemn all rules or disciplines. Paul is specifically addressing "commandments and doctrines of men" that are imposed as requirements for salvation, spiritual maturity, or acceptance with God, especially those tied to perishable things and worldly philosophies. The key distinction is the origin and purpose of the rules. Rules that stem from human invention and attempt to add to Christ's finished work are what Paul critiques. Biblical commands, such as those found in [the Ten Commandments](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") or the ethical teachings of Jesus and the apostles (e.g., [Matthew 22:37-39](/matthew/22-37-39 "Matthew 22:37-39 - The Greatest Commandments")), are divinely ordained and are to be obeyed out of love for God and neighbor. Furthermore, personal spiritual disciplines (like prayer, Bible reading, fasting) are valuable tools for growth, but they are means to an end (deeper relationship with Christ), not ends in themselves or a basis for righteousness. The danger arises when these disciplines become legalistic requirements or are seen as earning God's favor, rather than being a response to His grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:22 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who stands as the eternal antidote to the perishable "commandments and doctrines of men." The very things that "perish with the using"—the rituals, the dietary laws, the ascetic practices—were, in many ways, shadows or temporary provisions that pointed forward to Christ. He is the substance, the reality, and the fulfillment of all that the Old Covenant and human striving could only dimly foreshadow. In Christ, believers have died to the "rudiments of the world" ([Colossians 2:20](/colossians/2-20 "Colossians 2:20 - Dying to the Rudiments of the World")), meaning they are no longer bound by external regulations that could never truly cleanse the conscience or impart spiritual life. His perfect sacrifice on the cross rendered the old system obsolete, establishing a new covenant based on grace, not works ([Hebrews 8:13](/hebrews/8-13 "Hebrews 8:13 - The New Covenant")). Through Christ, we are not striving to earn righteousness through human efforts or perishable observances, but we are declared righteous by faith in Him ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). He is our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")), providing everything necessary for a complete and abundant spiritual life, eternally sufficient and never to "perish with the using."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 29:13

Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:

Mark 7:18

And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, [it] cannot defile him;

Mark 7:19

Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

Titus 1:14

Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

Mark 7:7

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.

Mark 7:13

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

1 Corinthians 6:13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body [is] not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.