Colossians 2:23

KJV

Which 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which things {G3748} have {G2192} indeed {G3303} a shew {G2076}{G3056} of wisdom {G4678} in {G1722} will worship {G1479}, and {G2532} humility {G5012}, and {G2532} neglecting {G857} of the body {G4983}; not {G3756} in {G1722} any {G5100} honour {G5092} to {G4314} the satisfying {G4140} of the flesh {G4561}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They do indeed have the outward appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed religious observances, false humility and asceticism; but they have no value at all in restraining people from indulging their old nature.

Berean Standard Bible

Such restrictions indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-prescribed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body; but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

American Standard Version

Which 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Colossians 2:23 concludes Paul's fervent warning against deceptive philosophies and human traditions that threatened the Colossian church. This verse critiques ascetic practices and self-imposed religious rules, exposing their superficiality and ultimate inability to address the true spiritual condition of humanity. Paul asserts that these outward displays of piety, though appearing wise, are powerless to curb the sinful nature and offer no genuine honor to God, instead merely satisfying human pride or a misguided sense of self-righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Paul's argument in [Colossians 2](/colossians/2 "Colossians 2 - Warnings Against False Teaching"), where he systematically dismantles various forms of false teaching. Having established the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in [Colossians 1](/colossians/1 "Colossians 1 - The Supremacy of Christ"), Paul pivots in chapter 2 to warn believers against being led astray by "philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ" ([Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Warning Against Philosophy")). He specifically targets legalistic observances like dietary restrictions, festival keeping ([Colossians 2:16](/colossians/2-16 "Colossians 2:16 - Freedom from Legalism")), and the worship of angels, often accompanied by visions and a false humility ([Colossians 2:18](/colossians/2-18 "Colossians 2:18 - Warning Against Angel Worship")). Verse 23 brings these critiques to a head, summarizing the futility of such humanly devised spiritual disciplines that fail to grasp the profound reality of being "complete in Him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Colossae was grappling with a syncretistic blend of Jewish legalism, Gnostic-like mysticism, and local pagan influences. This "Colossian heresy" promoted a system of salvation and spiritual advancement based on human effort, special knowledge (gnosis), and ascetic practices. Jewish elements included adherence to Mosaic Law, circumcision ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision of the Heart")), and observance of feasts and new moons. Gnostic tendencies emphasized a dualism between spirit (good) and matter (evil), leading to the belief that the body was inherently corrupt and needed to be subdued through severe self-denial (asceticism). The "will worship" and "neglecting of the body" mentioned in [Colossians 2:23](/colossians/2-23 "Colossians 2:23 - Futility of Asceticism") directly address these practices, which were seen as a means to attain a higher spiritual plane or greater purity, distinct from the simple faith in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** [Colossians](/colossians "The Book of Colossians") is fundamentally about the **Supremacy and Sufficiency of Christ**. Paul's central message is that Christ is preeminent over all creation and all spiritual powers ([Colossians 1:15-20](/colossians/1-15-20 "Colossians 1:15-20 - Christ's Supremacy")), and believers are "complete in Him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). This verse contributes to the theme of **Warning Against False Teaching**, specifically highlighting the danger of **Legalism and Asceticism**. It underscores that human-made rules and self-imposed suffering, despite their outward appearance of piety, lack true spiritual power and do not genuinely transform the heart or overcome the sinful nature. Instead, they often foster **False Humility and Spiritual Pride**, diverting believers from the true source of spiritual life found only in Christ's finished work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **will worship (Greek, _ethelothrēskeía'_):** From _thelo_ (to will) and _thréskeia_ (worship, religion), this compound term denotes a "self-imposed worship" or "voluntary piety." It refers to religious practices, rituals, or observances that are devised by human will and preference rather than being commanded or revealed by God. It signifies devotion that originates from human ideas about how to please God, often leading to excessive and arbitrary rules, and can foster a subtle form of spiritual pride or self-righteousness.
* **neglecting (Greek, _apheidía'_):** This word signifies "unsparingness" or "austerity." In this context, it refers to severe self-denial, deprivation, or harsh treatment of the physical body. It describes ascetic practices such as extreme fasting, abstinence from certain foods or marriage, or other forms of physical suffering undertaken with the misguided belief that such actions lead to spiritual enlightenment or greater purity.
* **satisfying (Greek, _plēsmonḗ'_):** This term means "a filling up" or "gratification." In [Colossians 2:23](/colossians/2-23 "Colossians 2:23 - Futility of Asceticism"), it refers to the gratification of the flesh, which can be interpreted in two primary ways: either these practices do not truly curb the sinful desires of the "flesh" (carnal nature), or conversely, they actually serve to gratify the flesh in terms of spiritual pride or a false sense of accomplishment rather than genuinely honoring God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom":** Paul acknowledges that these humanly devised religious practices—the "will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body"—possess an outward appearance or facade of profound wisdom and deep spirituality. They might seem impressive, more dedicated, or indicative of a higher spiritual path, leading observers to believe they offer superior insight or a more effective means of drawing near to God. This "show" is deceptive, as it lacks genuine divine authority or transformative power.
* **"in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body":** This clause specifies the nature of the "things" that have a show of wisdom. "Will worship" (Greek: _ethelothrēskeía_) refers to religious devotion that originates from human will rather than divine command, often involving self-imposed rules and rituals. The "humility" is not genuine meekness but a feigned or ostentatious display of piety, designed to impress others or to create a false sense of spiritual superiority. "Neglecting of the body" (Greek: _apheidía_) points to ascetic practices—severe self-denial, deprivation, or harsh treatment of the physical body—undertaken as a supposed means to spiritual advancement.
* **"not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.":** This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate futility and true nature of these practices. Despite their outward appearance, they do not genuinely honor God, nor do they effectively curb or overcome the sinful desires and inclinations of the "flesh" (the fallen human nature). In fact, they may even contribute to spiritual pride or a false sense of accomplishment, thereby satisfying the "flesh" in a perverse way, rather than truly crucifying it. They lack any real power to transform the heart or bring genuine victory over sin, offering only a superficial and ineffective form of spirituality.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Irony** and **Antithesis** in [Colossians 2:23](/colossians/2-23 "Colossians 2:23 - Futility of Asceticism"). The **irony** lies in the fact that practices ostensibly designed to achieve spiritual wisdom and overcome the flesh are, in reality, powerless to do so and may even feed the very pride they claim to subdue. There is a "show of wisdom" (outward appearance) that is contrasted with their actual lack of "honour" or effectiveness against the "satisfying of the flesh" (true spiritual power). The **antithesis** is evident in the stark contrast between the outward religiosity ("will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body") and its internal spiritual impotence ("not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh"). Paul highlights the deceptive nature of these human traditions by pitting their perceived value against their actual lack of spiritual substance, thereby exposing their ultimate futility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Colossians 2:23 powerfully underscores the New Testament's emphasis on the internal transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit rather than external observances or human effort. It serves as a critical theological statement against legalism, asceticism, and any system that attempts to add human works to the finished work of Christ for salvation or sanctification. True spirituality is not about what we abstain from or how much we suffer physically, but about our union with Christ and His life lived through us. These outward displays, while appearing pious, ultimately fail to address the core problem of sin and the desires of the flesh, often leading to spiritual pride rather than genuine humility. The verse challenges believers to discern between a religion of human rules and the liberating truth of the Gospel, which provides complete sufficiency in Christ.

* [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Freedom in Christ")
* [Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")
* [1 Timothy 4:8](/1_timothy/4-8 "1 Timothy 4:8 - Bodily Exercise vs. Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Colossians 2:23 is a timeless caution against spiritual practices that prioritize human effort and outward appearance over genuine, Spirit-led transformation. In our contemporary context, this verse challenges us to examine our own spiritual disciplines and motivations. Are we pursuing certain practices—whether fasting, specific dietary restrictions, rigorous prayer routines, or acts of service—because they are truly commanded by God and flow from a heart of love and obedience, or because they offer a "show of wisdom," a sense of self-righteousness, or a way to impress others or ourselves? True spiritual growth is not achieved by self-imposed asceticism or adherence to man-made rules, but by abiding in Christ, allowing His life to flow through us, and yielding to the Holy Spirit's work of sanctification. This verse calls us to freedom from legalism and to a deeper reliance on the sufficiency of Christ, recognizing that only He can truly overcome the power of the flesh and bring genuine honor to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "will worship" or self-imposed religious rules might I be tempted to rely on instead of Christ's finished work?**
* **How can I discern between genuine spiritual discipline that flows from faith and ascetic practices that are merely a "show of wisdom"?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of spiritual practices inadvertently feed spiritual pride or a false sense of accomplishment?**
* **How does focusing on Christ's sufficiency free me from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through human effort?**

### FAQ

**What does "will worship" mean in Colossians 2:23?**

Answer: "Will worship" (Greek: _ethelothrēskeía_) refers to religious practices or forms of worship that are self-imposed, devised by human will and tradition, rather than being commanded or revealed by God. It describes devotion that originates from human ideas about how to please God, often involving excessive or arbitrary rules, and can lead to a form of spiritual pride or a misguided attempt to earn righteousness. Paul critiques this because it substitutes human wisdom for divine revelation and undermines the sufficiency of Christ.

**Does Colossians 2:23 condemn all forms of self-discipline or fasting?**

Answer: No, [Colossians 2:23](/colossians/2-23 "Colossians 2:23 - Futility of Asceticism") does not condemn all forms of self-discipline or fasting. The issue Paul addresses is the *motivation* and *efficacy* of such practices. When self-discipline or asceticism becomes a means to earn salvation, achieve spiritual enlightenment, or demonstrate a superior piety apart from Christ, it falls into the category of "will worship" and "neglecting of the body" that Paul critiques. Biblical self-discipline and fasting, conversely, are Spirit-led practices that flow from a heart of love and obedience, aimed at drawing closer to God, crucifying the flesh, and growing in godliness, always rooted in the finished work of Christ (e.g., [Matthew 6:16-18](/matthew/6-16-18 "Matthew 6:16-18 - Fasting")). The verse warns against the *futile* and *prideful* use of such practices, not their legitimate, Spirit-empowered application.

**What does "not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh" imply?**

Answer: This phrase highlights the ultimate futility and deceptive nature of the ascetic practices. It implies that these self-imposed rules and disciplines, despite their outward appearance, do not genuinely honor God. Furthermore, they are ineffective in truly curbing sinful desires or overcoming the sinful nature (the "flesh"). In fact, they might even contribute to spiritual pride or a false sense of accomplishment, thereby ironically "satisfying the flesh" in a perverse way, rather than genuinely subduing it. True victory over the flesh comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, not human effort or self-inflicted suffering (e.g., [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Colossians 2:23, in its critique of humanly devised religious systems, powerfully points to the absolute and exclusive sufficiency of Christ. The "show of wisdom" in "will worship" and "neglecting of the body" is rendered utterly meaningless in light of Christ's complete work on the cross. These practices are futile precisely because they attempt to achieve what only Christ has already accomplished. Our spiritual completeness is found "in Him," not through adherence to external regulations or self-imposed suffering ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")). Christ, through His death and resurrection, has disarmed the spiritual powers and triumphed over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Therefore, the believer's true "humility" is found not in self-abasement for merit, but in recognizing our utter dependence on Christ and His grace. The "satisfying of the flesh" is overcome not by external rules, but by being "crucified with Christ" ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Crucified with Christ")) and walking by the Spirit, who empowers us to put to death the deeds of the body ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life Through the Spirit")). Thus, [Colossians 2:23](/colossians/2-23 "Colossians 2:23 - Futility of Asceticism") ultimately magnifies Christ as the sole source of true wisdom, honor, and victory over the flesh, rendering all human attempts at self-salvation or self-sanctification utterly void.

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

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Colossians 2:18

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Colossians 2:8

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.

1 Timothy 4:3

Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Colossians 2:22

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

2 Corinthians 11:13

For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:15

Therefore [it is] no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.