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Colossians 2

Col. 2:8 KJV (With Strong’s)

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8
Beware
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
esomai (Greek #2071)
will be
KJV usage: shall (should) be (have), (shall) come (to pass), X may have, X fall, what would follow, X live long, X sojourn.
Pronounce: es'-om-ahee
Origin: future of 1510
blepo (Greek #991)
to look at (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed. Compare 3700.
Pronounce: blep'-o
Origin: a primary verb
d lest
me (Greek #3361)
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas 3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
KJV usage: any but (that), X forbear, + God forbid, + lack, lest, neither, never, no (X wise in), none, nor, (can-)not, nothing, that not, un(-taken), without. Often used in compounds in substantially the same relations. See also 3362, 3363, 3364, 3372, 3373, 3375, 3378.
Pronounce: may
Origin: a primary particle of qualified negation (whereas 3756 expresses an absolute denial)
any man
tis (Greek #5100)
some or any person or object
KJV usage: a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), X wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).
Pronounce: tis
Origin: an enclitic indefinite pronoun
spoil
sulagogeo (Greek #4812)
to lead away as booty, i.e. (figuratively) seduce
KJV usage: spoil.
Pronounce: soo-lag-ogue-eh'-o
Origin: from the base of 4813 and (the reduplicated form of) 71
you
humas (Greek #5209)
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
KJV usage: ye, you (+ -ward), your (+ own).
Pronounce: hoo-mas'
Origin: accusative case of 5210
through
dia (Greek #1223)
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
KJV usage: after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) ... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
Pronounce: dee-ah'
Origin: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act
philosophy
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
philosophia (Greek #5385)
"philosophy", i.e. (specially), Jewish sophistry
KJV usage: philosophy.
Pronounce: fil-os-of-ee'-ah
Origin: from 5386
and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
vain
kenos (Greek #2756)
empty (literally or figuratively)
KJV usage: empty, (in) vain.
Pronounce: ken-os'
Origin: apparently a primary word
deceit
apate (Greek #539)
delusion
KJV usage: deceit(-ful, -fulness), deceivableness(-ving).
Pronounce: ap-at'-ay
Origin: from 538
, after
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
the tradition
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
paradosis (Greek #3862)
transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law
KJV usage: ordinance, tradition.
Pronounce: par-ad'-os-is
Origin: from 3860
of men
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
anthropos (Greek #444)
man-faced, i.e. a human being
KJV usage: certain, man.
Pronounce: anth'-ro-pos
Origin: from 435 and ὤψ (the countenance; from 3700)
, after
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
the βrudiments
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
stoicheion (Greek #4747)
something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)
KJV usage: element, principle, rudiment.
Pronounce: stoy-khi'-on
Origin: neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of 4748
of the world
ho (Greek #3588)
the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
KJV usage: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.
Pronounce: ho
Origin: ἡ (hay), and the neuter τό (to) in all their inflections
kosmos (Greek #2889)
orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
KJV usage: adorning, world.
Pronounce: kos'-mos
Origin: probably from the base of 2865
, and
kai (Greek #2532)
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
KJV usage: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Pronounce: kahee
Origin: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force
not
ou (Greek #3756)
the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not
KJV usage: + long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
Pronounce: oo
Origin: οὐκ (ook), and (before an aspirate) οὐχ (ookh) a primary word
after
kata (Greek #2596)
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
KJV usage: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from ... to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), ... by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pronounce: kat-ah'
Origin: a primary particle
Christ
Christos (Greek #5547)
anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
KJV usage: Christ.
Pronounce: khris-tos'
Origin: from 5548
.
d
Rom. 16:17• 17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Rom. 16:17)
;
Eph. 5:6• 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (Eph. 5:6)
;
Heb. 13:9• 9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (Heb. 13:9)
β
or, elements.

More on:

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Christ,
Philosopher; Philosophy,
Rudiments,
The World,
To Spoil,
Tradition

Cross References

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Ministry on This Verse

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Beware.
Deut. 6:12• 12Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deut. 6:12)
;
Matt. 7:15• 15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matt. 7:15)
;
Matt. 10:17• 17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; (Matt. 10:17)
;
Matt. 16:6• 6Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt. 16:6)
;
Phil. 3:2• 2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. (Phil. 3:2)
;
2 Peter 3:17• 17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:17)
spoil.
Col. 2:18• 18Let 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, (Col. 2:18)
;
Song of Sol. 2:15• 15Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. (Song of Sol. 2:15)
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Jer. 29:8• 8For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. (Jer. 29:8)
;
Rom. 16:17• 17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Rom. 16:17)
;
Eph. 5:6• 6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (Eph. 5:6)
;
Heb. 13:9• 9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. (Heb. 13:9)
;
2 John 8• 8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (2 John 8)
philosophy.
Acts 17:18,32• 18Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
 32And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. (Acts 17:18,32)
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Rom. 1:21‑22• 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (Rom. 1:21‑22)
;
1 Cor. 1:19‑23• 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
 20Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
 21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
 22For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
 23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (1 Cor. 1:19‑23)
;
1 Cor. 3:18‑19• 18Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (1 Cor. 3:18‑19)
;
1 Cor. 15:35‑36• 35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?
 36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: (1 Cor. 15:35‑36)
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2 Cor. 10:5• 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor. 10:5)
;
2 Cor. 10•  (2 Cor. 10)
:*Gr:;
1 Tim. 6:20• 20O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (1 Tim. 6:20)
;
2 Tim. 2:17‑18• 17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus;
 18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Tim. 2:17‑18)
;
2 Tim. 3:13• 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Tim. 3:13)
after the tradition.
Col. 2:22• 22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? (Col. 2:22)
;
Matt. 15:2‑9• 2Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
 3But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
 4For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
 5But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
 6And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
 7Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
 8This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
 9But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:2‑9)
;
Mark 7:3‑13• 3For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
 4And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables.
 5Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
 6He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
 7Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
 8For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
 9And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
 10For Moses said, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
 11But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
 12And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
 13Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. (Mark 7:3‑13)
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Gal. 1:14• 14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. (Gal. 1:14)
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1 Peter 1:18• 18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; (1 Peter 1:18)
the rudiments.
or, the elements.
Col. 2:20• 20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Col. 2:20)
;
Gal. 4:3,9• 3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
 9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? (Gal. 4:3,9)
;
Eph. 2:2• 2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Eph. 2:2)
after Christ.
Eph. 4:20• 20But ye have not so learned Christ; (Eph. 4:20)
• The flesh may appear for a time to despise tradition, but that which is purely intellectual cannot stand in the midst of humanity without something religious. It has not the truth nor the world which belongs to faith, and for an immense majority superstition and tradition are needed; that is to say, a religion which the flesh can lay hold of and which suits the flesh. (“Colossians 2” by J.N. Darby)
• We find philosophy and the emptiness of human wisdom united with the traditions of men, characterized as “the elements of this world,” in opposition to Christ. (“Colossians 2” by J.N. Darby)
• The teachings which follow are a development of what Christ is and the counsels of God connected with Him. Progress should be in the knowledge of Christ, the true Center and fullness. (“Colossians 2” by C.E. Lunden)
• Philosophy means, “the love of knowledge.” It is not wrong to want knowledge….The danger is to seek it apart from the revelations that God has given through the apostles and prophets of the New Testament. (“Hindrances to Carrying Out the Truth of the Mystery: Colossians 2:4-19” by B. Anstey)
• This human line of teaching makes something of man in the flesh. It sees some good in man and seeks to cultivate it, and thus, ministers deceitfully to the vanity of man. This is why it is called vain deceit. (“Hindrances to Carrying Out the Truth of the Mystery: Colossians 2:4-19” by B. Anstey)

J. N. Darby Translation

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8
See that there be no one who shall lead *you*c away as a prey through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the teaching of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.

JND Translation Notes

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c
"You" is emphatic; but the verb "be" is in the future, implying real present danger more than possibility.

W. Kelly Translation

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8
See that there shall be no one that leadeth you a prey through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world, and not according to Christ.