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Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons
by RS  admin@creationpie.com : 1024 x 640
1. Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons
Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons In Colossians 2, Paul uses many philosophical words and ideas from Aristotle, Pythagoras, etc., in providing warnings and guidance to the church at Colossae, such as see that no one uses false reasoning on you in subtle sermons and then see that they don't sillygism/synagogue you through philosophy and empty deception. Might there be a reason why you seldom hear this chapter being preached?
2. Colossians 2:5
   Colossians 2:5 
 All 
KJV: For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Greek: ει γαρ και τη σαρκι απειμι αλλα τω πνευματι συν υμιν ειμι χαιρων και βλεπων υμων την ταξιν και το στερεωμα της εις χριστον πιστεως υμων
3. Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons
Philosophy and empty deceptionIn Colossians 2:8, Paul says to beware of "philosophy and empty deception" of which there is some overlap.
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

In translation, this verse has been parsed in various ways, some of which are quite interesting in that the meaning appears to have been altered.

Paul appears to use a play on words in this verse which is set up by the previous verses.
4. City: Colossae

The ancient Greek city "Κολοσσαί" ≈ "Colossae" was in Phrygia in Asia Minor in what is now Turkey. A letter from Paul was written to this city - notable for its angel cult - which Paul mentions.

From Colossae:
5. Colossians 2:1 Conflict
To get the context, let us go back to the start of the chapter.
Verse routeColossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; [kjv]
Verse routeθελω γαρ υμας ειδεναι ηλικον αγωνα εχω υπερ υμων και των εν λαοδικεια και οσοι ουχ το προσωπον μου εν σαρκι [gnt]

Laodicea, the location of the apostate church in Revelation, was about 12 miles away.

The ancient Greek word "ἡλῐ́κος" ≈ "big as, great as, old as".

The ancient Greek word "ἀγωνία" ≈ "competition, struggle" and is the source of the English word "agony".
6. Colossians 2:1
   Colossians 2:1 
 All 
KJV: For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
Greek: θελω γαρ υμας ειδεναι ηλικον αγωνα εχω περι υπερ υμων και των εν λαοδικεια και οσοι ουχ εωρακασιν εορακαν το προσωπον μου εν σαρκι
7. Strongs - great
8. Philippians 1:30 Athletic agony
Verse routePhilippians 1:30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me. [kjv]
Verse routeτον αυτον αγωνα εχοντες οιον ειδετε εν εμοι και νυν ακουετε εν εμοι [gnt]

The (passive) "conflict" (as if within himself) is a Greek (active) word "fight" or "race" or "struggle" as used for athletic contests. The ancient Greek word "ἀγωνία" ≈ "competition, struggle" and is the source of the English word "agony".

In the past, one could "see" Paul persecuting the church. Now, one can "hear" Paul preaching the truth. This distinction is reemphasized later in Philippians. The Greek word for "hearing" assumes understanding of what is heard.

Information sign More: An opposite angle on the agony of punishment
9. Colossians 2:2 Full assurance
Verse routeColossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; [kjv]
Verse routeινα παρακληθωσιν αι καρδιαι αυτων συμβιβασθεντες εν αγαπη και εις πλουτος της πληροφοριας της συνεσεως εις επιγνωσιν του μυστηριου του θεου χριστου [gnt]

The Greek for "full assurance" is the modern Greek word for "information". By definition, information is assumed good. Otherwise one says it is "bad information".

Information sign More: The full assurance of information
10. Pythagoras and mystery
Expanded
In about 500 B.C., Pythagoras had a secret society who membership was a mystery to anyone outside the group. It was a closed group and required a special initiation.
Pythagoras had a simple proof (omitted) to show the irrationality of the square root of two. This secret was not to be revealed to anyone outside the group. The punishment for revealing this secret was death.

The Greek word for "mystery" is based on the Greek word for "initiation" as in a member to a group that is "shut" until one is "initiated". The term "mystery cult" is still heard today.

Do whole numbers exist? Do real numbers exist? Explain.

Information sign More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery
11. Colossians 2:2 Mystery
Verse routeColossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; [kjv]
Verse routeινα παρακληθωσιν αι καρδιαι αυτων συμβιβασθεντες εν αγαπη και εις πλουτος της πληροφοριας της συνεσεως εις επιγνωσιν του μυστηριου του θεου χριστου [gnt]

The Greek word for "mystery" had to do with secrets for which one needed to go through initiation rites.

Paul will make clear that the "mystery" of Jesus is available "unto all". Paul will come back to this idea in a later verse.

Information sign More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery
Some Greek manuscripts to not have "the Father", just "God" and "Christ". None have the "Holy Spirit".
12. Colossians 2:2
   Colossians 2:2 
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KJV: That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
Greek: ινα παρακληθωσιν αι καρδιαι αυτων συμβιβασθεντων συμβιβασθεντες εν αγαπη και εις παντα πλουτον παν πλουτος της πληροφοριας της συνεσεως εις επιγνωσιν του μυστηριου του θεου και πατρος και του χριστου
Latin: ut consolentur corda ipsorum instructi in caritate et in omnes divitias plenitudinis intellectus in agnitionem mysterii Dei Patris Christi Iesu
13. Colossians 2:3 Treasures
Verse routeColossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [kjv]
Verse routeεν ω εισιν παντες οι θησαυροι της σοφιας και γνωσεως αποκρυφοι [gnt]

The goal of Greek philosophy was "wisdom" and "knowledge". According to Aristotle, this was available only to those who had the "free time", origin of the word "school", to learn.

Information sign More: Matthew 6:19-21: A treasury of treasures of which to treasure
Information sign More: A wise opportunity to be prudent
Information sign More: John 9: One thing I know is that I know nothing
Information sign More: Back to being idle at school
14. Colossians 2:3
   Colossians 2:3 
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KJV: In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Greek: εν ω εισιν παντες οι θησαυροι της σοφιας και της γνωσεως αποκρυφοι
15. Colossians 2:4 Enticing words
Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

Have you ever been "beguiled" with "enticing words"?

The Greek word for "beguile" comes from the ancient Greek word "παραλογίζομαι" ≈ "reason falsely" and means, literally reasoning "beyond logic" or "beyond words" as in "false reasoning".

Information sign More: Going beyond the prefix para
16. Strongs - delude
17. Colossians 2:4 Beguiling syllogism
Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

Aristotle developed the "syllogism" as a way to reason logically.

The Greek word for "syllogism" comes from the ancient Greek word "συλλογίζομαι" ≈ "compute, calculate" (as a group - together).

Both of these Greek words for "beguile" as "reason falsely" and "syllogism" have the same root word "λογίζομαι" ≈ "count, reckon".

Information sign More: Logic: syllogisms
18. Colossians 2: False reasoning
The ancient Greek word "παραλογίζομαι" ≈ "reason falsely" is used often by Aristotle in his work On sophistic refutations. Paul uses this word in Colossians - a book that uses many Aristotelian words. Apparently "false reasoning" in "teaching" was a problem at the church at Colossae.
Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Latin for "enticing words" is "subtle sermons".

One meaning: Beware lest anyone use false reasoning on you with subtle sermons.

Information sign More: Aristotle
19. Colossians 2:4
   Colossians 2:4 
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KJV: And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.
Hebrew: וזאת אמר אני לכם למען אשר לא יטעה אתכם איש בשפתי חלקות׃
Greek: τουτο δε λεγω ινα μη τις μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια
Latin: hoc autem dico ut nemo vos decipiat in subtilitate sermonum
Wycliffe: For this thing Y seie, that no man disseyue you in heiythe of wordis.
Luther: Ich sage aber davon, daß euch niemand betrüge mit vernünftigen Reden.
20. Colossians 2:4 Enticing words
Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Greek for "enticing words" appears made-up by Paul and consists of two words.
21. Colossians 2:4 Subtle sermons
God and paster 1 God and paster 2 God and paster 3

Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Latin word "decipio" ≈ "catch, ensnare" from the Latin word "de" ≈ "of, from" and the Latin word "capio" ≈ "capture" and is the source of the English word "capture". The "enticing words" is interesting in the Latin. Using the Greek and Latin: See that no one uses false reasoning on you in subtle sermons. Does your pastor preach "subtle sermons"?

Might there be a reason why you seldom hear this chapter being preached?
22. Sophistic refutations
Book: On Sophistic Refutations
Aristotle wrote a book called On Sophistic Refutations in which he detailed the "false reasoning" used by Sophists (from the Greek word for "wisdom") who would use invalid logic to convince others of ideas to make money for themselves. In English, "sophistic" logic or "false reasoning" is "sophistry".
One of the many types of invalid logic detailed by Aristotle was "eristic" reasoning. Paul uses that word often but it is often translated, without the "bad logic" connection, as "strife"

Information sign More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention
Information sign More: Aristotle
23. Colossians 2: False reasoning
The ancient Greek word "παραλογίζομαι" ≈ "reason falsely" is used often by Aristotle in his work On sophistic refutations. Paul uses this word in Colossians - a book that uses many Aristotelian words. Apparently "false reasoning" in "teaching" was a problem at the church at Colossae.
Verse routeColossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]
Verse routeτουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]
Verse route… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Latin for "enticing words" is "subtle sermons".

One meaning: Beware lest anyone use false reasoning on you with subtle sermons.

Information sign More: Aristotle
24. Strongs - enticing words
25. Colossians 2:5 Presence
Verse routeColossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. [kjv]
Verse routeει γαρ και τη σαρκι απειμι αλλα τω πνευματι συν υμιν ειμι χαιρων και βλεπων υμων την ταξιν και το στερεωμα της εις χριστον πιστεως υμων [gnt]

It is not clear of the Greek word for "order" as "taxi" has any additional meaning here.
26. Modern Greek
The modern Greek word "τάξη" (TA-ksee) ≈ "class, order" as in a taxonomic order in biology.
The modern Greek word "ταξίδι" (ta-KSEE-thee) ≈ "trip, journey".
27. Walk
Verse routeColossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [kjv]
Verse routeως ουν παρελαβετε τον χριστον ιησουν τον κυριον εν αυτω περιπατειτε [gnt]

Horizontal footprints - left to rightThe ancient Greek word "περιπατέω" ≈ "walk around" is the source of the English word "peripatetic" and comes from two Greek words.
Verse routeMatthew 11:5 … and the lame walk, … [kjv]
Verse routeτυφλοι αναβλεπουσιν και χωλοι περιπατουσιν λεπροι καθαριζονται και κωφοι ακουουσιν και νεκροι εγειρονται και πτωχοι ευαγγελιζονται [gnt]



Information sign More: Matthew 11:1-6: Trapped by an offensive misinterpretation of Jesus
28. Colossians 2:6: Peripatetics
Verse routeColossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [kjv]
Verse routeως ουν παρελαβετε τον χριστον ιησουν τον κυριον εν αυτω περιπατειτε [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "περιπατέω" ≈ "walk around" .

Aristotle, from Stagira, taught in Athens in the open rather than closed environments and had a habit of walking back and forth as he talked. One tradition has it that his followers were called "peripatetics" for this reason.
Writing to a Greek audience, Paul appears to be saying that our walk should be with Jesus and not with the philosophy of man.
29. Colossians 2:6
   Colossians 2:6 
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KJV: As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Greek: ως ουν παρελαβετε τον χριστον ιησουν τον κυριον εν αυτω περιπατειτε
30. Soldiers

Soldiers too had an idea of what it meant to "walk".

The soldiers of Alexander the Great, 400 years earlier, had walked some 10,000 miles in some 10 years.
31. Paul

Paul traveled a lot. Much of his travel was by boat.
32. Strongs - walk
33. Usage - walk
Word usage per chapter Words: περιεπατει=7 περιεπατεις περιεπατησαμεν περιεπατησατε=2 περιεπατησεν=3 περιεπατουν περιπατει=9 περιπατειν=10 περιπατεις=2 περιπατειτε=9 περιπατειτω περιπατη=3 περιπατησαι=2 περιπατηση περιπατησουσιν=2 περιπατησωμεν=3 περιπατητε=2 περιπατουμεν περιπατουντα=5 περιπατουντας=6 περιπατουντες=5 περιπατουντι περιπατουντος=2 περιπατουσιν=6 περιπατωμεν=3 περιπατων=6

34. Radical root
Verse routeColossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding there in with thanksgiving. [kjv]
Verse routeερριζωμενοι και εποικοδομουμενοι εν αυτω και βεβαιουμενοι τη πιστει καθως εδιδαχθητε περισσευοντες εν αυτη εν ευχαριστια [gnt]
Verse routeradicati … superaedificati … didicistis … gratiarum … [v]



Chess piecesThe ancient Greek word "ῥίζα" ≈ "root" of a plant and, later, as a math root such as the square root of two. It is related to the Latin word "radix" ≈ "root" and the English word "root" from the Old English word "wyrt" ≈ "root".
The English word "radical" comes from the Latin word "radicalis" ≈ "pertaining to the root, having roots".

The Gothic word "waurts" ≈ "root".

Information sign More: Radical square and other roots
35. Colossians 2:7 Roots
Verse routeColossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding there in with thanksgiving. [kjv]
Verse routeερριζωμενοι και εποικοδομουμενοι εν αυτω και βεβαιουμενοι τη πιστει καθως εδιδαχθητε περισσευοντες εν αυτη εν ευχαριστια [gnt]
Verse routeradicati … superaedificati … didicistis … gratiarum … [v]

Expanded
Might Paul be making an analogy of Christ as an alternative to the "square root" and "mystery" secrets of Pythagoras and Greek philosophy?


Information sign More: Initiation into an open and shut mystery
Information sign More: Teaching and learning sound and healthy doctrine
Information sign More: Thank you for giving thanks and for Thanksgiving
36. Colossians 2:7
   Colossians 2:7 
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KJV: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding there in with thanksgiving.
Greek: ερριζωμενοι και εποικοδομουμενοι εν αυτω και βεβαιουμενοι εν τη πιστει καθως εδιδαχθητε περισσευοντες εν αυτη εν ευχαριστια
Latin: radicati et superaedificati in ipso et confirmati fide sicut et didicistis abundantes in gratiarum actione
37. Strongs - rooted
38. Strongs - rooted
Word usage per chapter Words: ερριζωμενοι=2 ριζα=7 ριζαν=8 ριζης ριζων

39. Colossians 2:8 Beware
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

The Greek for "beware" is that of "see" as in an observation.

The English word "beware" is short for "be aware" or "be wary" as in "be on guard" or "watch out".

Note that Greek has a word for "beware" but Paul seldom uses that word.
40. Strongs - see
41. Strongs - beware
42. Logic: syllogisms
Men mortal die syllogism
Logical reasoning in Greek philosophy often took the form of a syllogism that uses deductive reasoning to arrive at a conclusion.

Some people think syllogisms are "silly" and will use the pun "sillygism" to refer to a "syllogism".

Information sign More: Logic: syllogisms
43. Colossians 2:8 Spoil
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

The Greek for "spoil" is interesting. It is used only once in the GNT (Greek New Testament) - by Paul. It appears to be a word made from two ancient Greek words.
44. Gathering together a synagogue
Today, one thinks of a "synagogue" as a place where Jewish worship takes place. The word "synagogue" is a Greek word made of up two parts. The meaning, both in the LXX (Septuagint) and GNT (and today) is that of people being led to come or be brought together.

Information sign More: Matthew 25:38 Taking someone into a synagogue
45. Colossians 2:8 Possible pun
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

Paul appears to be making a double play on words with "syllogism" as would be made in English by "sillygism" and "synagogue". Paul is saying: See that they don't sillygism/synagogue you through philosophy and empty deception.
Verses earlier: See that no one uses false reasoning on you in subtle sermons.
46. Colossians 2:8 Analogies
Here are some analogies for what Paul is saying where "spoil" is a pun for "syllogism".
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

In Greek, the usual negation of "angle" by prefix of an "a" results in the Greek word for "agony" - another source of a pun by Paul.

Information sign More: An opposite angle on the agony of punishment
47. Colossians 2:8 0: 0: Latin
In the Latin Vulgate, the word "decipio" ≈ "catch, ensnare, entrap".
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

Apparently Jerome just translated the word as best he could at the time. The Wycliffe Middle English version follows the Latin.
48. Strongs - spoil
49. Empty words
Blah, blah, blahThe idea of "empty deception" can be compared to "empty words".

Information sign More: Empty words
50. Conjunction
The conjunction or intersection of A & B or A and B is true=1 if both of A and B are true=1, else the result is false=0.

Venn diagrams Expression tree Extended truth table
Sets A intersect B Conjunction Expression tree for A & B
A B | A & B ----------- 0 0 | 0 0 0 0 1 | 0 0 1 1 0 | 1 0 0 1 1 | 1 1 1

The result is in the column under the "&" operator.



Information sign More: Logical conjunction
51. Conjunction


The word "and" is a conjunction in that both parts (on either side) are needed.

Example: You need to buy milk and cookies at the store.
Distribute as follows. You need to do both.

Information sign More: Logical conjunction
52. Conjunction
Philosophy and empty deception God and man

To distribute the conjunction of Paul is as follows. You need to do both. This is further delimited as being of the "traditions of men" (below).

Discuss: Do the "commands of God" contain any "empty deception"?
53. Colossians 2:8 Hollow philosophy
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

The origins of this verse in the NIV (New International Version) appear to go back to Wescott and Horte who are said to have loved Greek philosophy. Instead of (all) "philosophy", as in the "wisdom of man", they used the words "hollow philosophy" or "empty philosophy" so that some Greek philosophy would not fall under this warning.

NIV: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Philippians 2:8. The English word "hollow" is related to the English word "hole" as in an empty space.
54. Comparison
For logical parsing purposes, here are the relevant parts of the verse where the KJV appears to follow the Greek while the NIV does not in that it changes the logical expression and therefore the conjunction. For comparison purposes, the words will be unified since the underlying Greek is the same.
55. Refinements
Since "empty" appears to be an adjective modifying "philosophy" the conjunctions are rewritten and distributed as follows.

KJV: NIV : These do not clearly have the same meaning.
56. Comparison
KJV

philosophy and

empty

deception 		NIV

empty and

deceptive

philosophy
Philosophy and empty deception Empty and deceptive philosophy
One effect is that the NIV implicitly permits P and ED whereas the KJV which follows the Greek does not.

Note: One needs to account for the explicit domain of applicability (traditions of man) and the implicit domain of applicability (those to whom the letter is addressed).

... more to be added ...
57. Vitamins
BottleJust as a vitamin helps if needed, a vitamin not needed may cause extra work or may actually cause harm to those taking that vitamin.

... more to be added ...
58. Colossians 2:8 Traditions of men
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

God and manThere is some overlap between the "commands of God" and the "traditions of man".


Information sign More: Traditions from Babel to Pergamus to Rome
Information sign More: Equivocation deception between names and meanings
59. Strongs - tradition
60. Colossians 2:8 Rudiments of the world
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

Periodic chartThe Greek for "rudiments" is that of "elements" as one part of a row, series, sequence, etc.

How the "rudiments" of the "world" best be taken?
The modern Greek word "στοιχεία" (stee-KHEE-a) ≈ "elements" and is the origin of the English chemical term "stoichiometric".
The "rudiments of the world" would appear to include what is often taken as "natural philosophy" or, in modern terms, the "physics" as to how the world operates.
61. Strongs - rudiments
62. Strongs - rudiments
Word usage per chapter Words: στοιχεια=6 στοιχειν στοιχεις στοιχειων στοιχησουσιν στοιχουσιν στοιχωμεν

63. Colossians 2:8
   Colossians 2:8 
 All 
KJV: 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.
Greek: βλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον
Latin: videte ne quis vos decipiat per philosophiam et inanem fallaciam secundum traditionem hominum secundum elementa mundi et non secundum Christum
Wycliffe: Se ye that no man disseyue you bi filosofie and veyn fallace, aftir the tradicioun of men, aftir the elementis of the world, and not aftir Crist.
64. Colossians 2:9 Godhead
Verse routeColossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [kjv]
Verse routeοτι εν αυτω κατοικει παν το πληρωμα της θεοτητος σωματικως [gnt]

65. Colossians 2:9
   Colossians 2:9 
 All 
KJV: For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Greek: οτι εν αυτω κατοικει παν το πληρωμα της θεοτητος σωματικως
66. Colossians 2:10 Completeness
Verse routeColossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: [kjv]
Verse routeκαι εστε εν αυτω πεπληρωμενοι ος εστιν η κεφαλη πασης αρχης και εξουσιας [gnt]

Like consultants wanting to extend their contract, much of philosophy, especially in Greek times, appeared to have the effect of keeping students as students. That is, extend the contract.

As such, one was never "complete". There was always something more to do, study, etc.
67. Colossians 2:10
   Colossians 2:10 
 All 
KJV: And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Greek: και εστε εν αυτω πεπληρωμενοι ος εστιν η κεφαλη πασης αρχης και εξουσιας
68. Ever learning
Verse route2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. [kjv]
Verse routeπαντοτε μανθανοντα και μηδεποτε εις επιγνωσιν αληθειας ελθειν δυναμενα [gnt]

69. 2 Timothy 3:7
   2 Timothy 3:7 
 All 
KJV: Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Greek: παντοτε μανθανοντα και μηδεποτε εις επιγνωσιν αληθειας ελθειν δυναμενα
70. Completeness
Paul says we are "complete". There is still work to do, but there need be no wait in starting to do it. Jesus refers to this in Matthew.

Verse routeMatthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [kjv]
Verse route9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. [kjv]



Information sign More: A hot time to harvest - now and later
71. Colossians 2:11 Without hands
Verse routeColossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [kjv]
Verse routeεν ω και περιετμηθητε περιτομη αχειροποιητω εν τη απεκδυσει του σωματος της σαρκος εν τη περιτομη του χριστου [gnt]

72. Colossians 2:11
   Colossians 2:11 
 All 
KJV: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Greek: εν ω και περιετμηθητε περιτομη αχειροποιητω εν τη απεκδυσει του σωματος των αμαρτιων της σαρκος εν τη περιτομη του χριστου
73. Colossians 2:12 Energy
Verse routeColossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, where in also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [kjv]
Verse routeσυνταφεντες αυτω εν τω βαπτισματιβαπτισμω εν ω και συνηγερθητε δια της πιστεως της ενεργειας του θεου του εγειραντος αυτον εκ νεκρων [gnt]

The Greek for "operation" in that of "in working" and was, in the 19th century, became the basis of the coining of the English word "energy".

Information sign More: The actual potency and inner workings of energy
74. Colossians 2:12
   Colossians 2:12 
 All 
KJV: Buried with him in baptism, where in also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Greek: συνταφεντες αυτω εν τω βαπτισματιβαπτισμω εν ω και συνηγερθητε δια της πιστεως της ενεργειας του θεου του εγειραντος αυτον εκ των νεκρων
75. Colossians 2:13 Quick and the dead
Verse routeColossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [kjv]
Verse routeκαι υμας νεκρους οντας τοις παραπτωμασιν και τη ακροβυστια της σαρκος υμων συνεζωοποιησεν υμας συν αυτω χαρισαμενος ημιν παντα τα παραπτωματα [gnt]

76. Colossians 2:13
   Colossians 2:13 
 All 
KJV: And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Greek: και υμας νεκρους οντας εν τοις παραπτωμασιν και τη ακροβυστια της σαρκος υμων συνεζωποιησεν συνεζωοποιησενυμας συν αυτω χαρισαμενος ημιν παντα τα παραπτωματα
77. Colossians 2:14 Handwriting and hieroglyphics
Verse routeColossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [kjv]
Verse routeεξαλειψας το καθ ημων χειρογραφον τοις δογμασιν ο ην υπεναντιον ημιν και αυτο ηρκεν εκ του μεσου προσηλωσας αυτο τω σταυρω [gnt]

In ancient Greek, the word for "handwriting" is somewhat similar to the word for "hieroglyphic". There appears to be no direct connection here.
78. Colossians 2:14
   Colossians 2:14 
 All 
KJV: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Greek: εξαλειψας το καθ ημων χειρογραφον τοις δογμασιν ο ην υπεναντιον ημιν και αυτο ηρκεν εκ του μεσου προσηλωσας αυτο τω σταυρω
79. Strongs - handwriting
80. Strongs - nailed
81. Colossians 2:15 Principalities and powers
Verse routeColossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. [kjv]
Verse routeαπεκδυσαμενος τας αρχας και τας εξουσιας εδειγματισεν εν παρρησια θριαμβευσας αυτους εν αυτω [gnt]

82. Colossians 2:15
   Colossians 2:15 
 All 
KJV: And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Greek: απεκδυσαμενος τας αρχας και τας εξουσιας εδειγματισεν εν παρρησια θριαμβευσας αυτους εν αυτω
83. Colossians 2:16 Judging
Verse routeColossians 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: [kjv]
Verse routeμη ουν τις υμας κρινετω εν βρωσει και εν ποσει η εν μερει εορτης η νεομηνιας η σαββατων [gnt]

84. Colossians 2:16
   Colossians 2:16 
 All 
KJV: 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:
Greek: μη ουν τις υμας κρινετω εν βρωσει η και εν ποσει η εν μερει εορτης η νουμηνιας νεομηνιας η σαββατων
85. Colossians 2:17 Shadow of the future
Verse routeColossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. [kjv]
Verse routeα εστιν σκια των μελλοντων το δε σωμα του χριστου [gnt]

86. Colossians 2:17
   Colossians 2:17 
 All 
KJV: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Greek: α εστιν σκια των μελλοντων το δε σωμα του χριστου
87. Colossians 2:18 Puffed up
Verse routeColossians 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, [kjv]
Verse routeμηδεις υμας καταβραβευετω θελων εν ταπεινοφροσυνη και θρησκεια των αγγελων α εορακεν εμβατευων εικη φυσιουμενος υπο του νοος της σαρκος αυτου [gnt]

88. Colossians 2:18
   Colossians 2:18 
 All 
KJV: 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,
Greek: μηδεις υμας καταβραβευετω θελων εν ταπεινοφροσυνη και θρησκεια των αγγελων α μη εωρακεν εορακεν εμβατευων εικη φυσιουμενος υπο του νοος της σαρκος αυτου
89. Colossians 2:19
Verse routeColossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. [kjv]
Verse routeκαι ου κρατων την κεφαλην εξ ου παν το σωμα δια των αφων και συνδεσμων επιχορηγουμενον και συμβιβαζομενον αυξει την αυξησιν του θεου [gnt]

90. Colossians 2:19
   Colossians 2:19 
 All 
KJV: And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
Greek: και ου κρατων την κεφαλην εξ ου παν το σωμα δια των αφων και συνδεσμων επιχορηγουμενον και συμβιβαζομενον αυξει την αυξησιν του θεου
91. Colossians 2:20
Verse routeColossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, [kjv]
Verse routeει απεθανετε συν χριστω απο των στοιχειων του κοσμου τι ως ζωντες εν κοσμω δογματιζεσθε [gnt]

92. Colossians 2:20
   Colossians 2:20 
 All 
KJV: Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Greek: ει ουν απεθανετε συν τω χριστω απο των στοιχειων του κοσμου τι ως ζωντες εν κοσμω δογματιζεσθε
93. Colossians 2:21
Verse routeColossians 2:21 Touch not; taste not; handle not; [kjv]
Verse routeμη αψη μηδε γευση μηδε θιγης [gnt]

94. Colossians 2:21
   Colossians 2:21 
 All 
KJV: Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Greek: μη αψη μηδε γευση μηδε θιγης
95. Colossians 2:22
Verse routeColossians 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? [kjv]
Verse routeα εστιν παντα εις φθοραν τη αποχρησει κατα τα ενταλματα και διδασκαλιας των ανθρωπων [gnt]

96. Colossians 2:22
   Colossians 2:22 
 All 
KJV: Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Greek: α εστιν παντα εις φθοραν τη αποχρησει κατα τα ενταλματα και διδασκαλιας των ανθρωπων
97. Colossians 2:23
Verse routeColossians 2:23 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]
Verse routeατινα εστιν λογον μεν εχοντα σοφιας εν εθελοθρησκια και ταπεινοφροσυνη και αφειδια σωματος ουκ εν τιμη τινι προς πλησμονην της σαρκος [gnt]

98. Colossians 2:23
   Colossians 2:23 
 All 
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.
Greek: ατινα εστιν λογον μεν εχοντα σοφιας εν εθελοθρησκεια εθελοθρησκια και ταπεινοφροσυνη και αφειδια σωματος ουκ εν τιμη τινι προς πλησμονην της σαρκος
99. Colossians 2:8 Summary
Verse routeColossians 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. [kjv]
Verse routeβλεπετε μη τις υμας εσται ο συλαγωγων δια της φιλοσοφιας και κενης απατης κατα την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων κατα τα στοιχεια του κοσμου και ου κατα χριστον [gnt]
Verse routevidete … decipiat … philosophiam … inanem fallaciam … traditionem … elementa mundi … [v]

The pattern "philosophy and vain deceit" fits the pattern of "good food and drink" and not "good food and good drink".

There is a play on words that Paul is using and that is set up verses earlier, as anyone making a good play on words sets it up before the actual play on words. After setting up the allusions to Greek philosophy and some hints of synagogue, Paul delivers the play on words verse. Then, at the end of the verse. It is not clear that Paul meant the verse with the seriousness that some take it these days. The syllogism remark might be what we might say today as a sillygism.
100. End of page
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