Go
Articles on

Colossians 2

Col. 2:8 KJV (With Strong’s)

+
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• 17But I beseech you, brethren, to consider those that make divisions and occasions of stumblingblocks contrary to the doctrine which ye have learnt, and turn away from them. (Rom. 16:17)
;
Eph. 5:6• 6Let no one deceive you by vain words; for on account of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. (Eph. 5:6)
;
Heb. 13:9• 9Be not carried away with divers and strange doctrines; for [it is] good that the heart be confirmed with grace; not with meats, in which those that walked were not profited. (Heb. 13:9)
β
or, elements.

More on:

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

Cross References

+

Ministry on This Verse

+
Beware.
Deut. 6:12•  (Deut. 6:12)
;
Matt. 7:15• 15But beware of false prophets, which come unto you in sheep's clothing but within are ravening wolves. (Matt. 7:15)
;
Matt. 10:17• 17{i}But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to Sanhedrims, and scourge you in their synagogues;{/i} (Matt. 10:17)
;
Matt. 16:6• 6{i}And Jesus said to them, See and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.{/i} (Matt. 16:6)
;
Phil. 3:2• 2See to dogs, see to evil workers, see to the concision; (Phil. 3:2)
;
2 Peter 3:17• 17Ye therefore, beloved, knowing beforehand, be on your guard lest, led away along with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:17)
spoil.
Col. 2:18• 18Let no one defraud you of your prize, doing his will in humility and worship of the angels, intruding into things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh, (Col. 2:18)
;
Song of Sol. 2:15•  (Song of Sol. 2:15)
;
Jer. 29:8•  (Jer. 29:8)
;
Rom. 16:17• 17But I beseech you, brethren, to consider those that make divisions and occasions of stumblingblocks contrary to the doctrine which ye have learnt, and turn away from them. (Rom. 16:17)
;
Eph. 5:6• 6Let no one deceive you by vain words; for on account of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. (Eph. 5:6)
;
Heb. 13:9• 9Be not carried away with divers and strange doctrines; for [it is] good that the heart be confirmed with grace; not with meats, in which those that walked were not profited. (Heb. 13:9)
;
2 John 8• 8Look to yourselves, that we may not lose what we wrought but receive full reward. (2 John 8)
philosophy.
Acts 17:18,32• 18And certain also of the Epicureans and Stoic philosophers attacked him. And some said, What would this babbler say? and others, He seemeth to be an announcer of strange divinities, because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
 32Now when they heard of resurrection of dead [men] some mocked, but others said, We will hear thee concerning this yet again. (Acts 17:18,32)
;
Rom. 1:21‑22• 21Because, having known God, they glorified him not as God nor were thankful, but became vain in their thoughts, and their heart void of understanding was darkened.
 22Professing 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 put away the understanding of the understanding ones.
 20Where [is the] wise? where scribe? where disputer of this age? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, God was pleased through the foolishness of the preaching to save those that believe;
 22since both Jews ask for signs and Greeks seek wisdom;
 23but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling-block, and to Gentiles foolishness, (1 Cor. 1:19‑23)
;
1 Cor. 3:18‑19• 18Let none deceive himself; if anyone thinketh himself to be wise among you in this age, let him become foolish that he may be wise.
 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God; for it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness; (1 Cor. 3:18‑19)
;
1 Cor. 15:35‑36• 35But someone will say, How are the dead to rise? and with what body do they come?
 36Fool, what thou sowest is not quickened unless it die; (1 Cor. 15:35‑36)
;
2 Cor. 10:5• 5pulling down reasonings and every height that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and leading captive every thought unto the obedience of Christ, (2 Cor. 10:5)
;
2 Cor. 10•  (2 Cor. 10)
:*Gr:;
1 Tim. 6:20• 20O Timothy, keep the deposit, turning away from the profane babblings and oppositions of the falsely-named knowledge, (1 Tim. 6:20)
;
2 Tim. 2:17‑18• 17and their word will eat up as a gangrene: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus,
 18[men] who concerning the truth went astray, saying that the resurrection hath already taken place, and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Tim. 2:17‑18)
;
2 Tim. 3:13• 13But wicked men and impostors shall advance for the worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Tim. 3:13)
after the tradition.
Col. 2:22• 22(which are all for destruction in the using), according to the injunctions and trainings of men; (Col. 2:22)
;
Matt. 15:2‑9• 2{i}Why do thy disciples transgress what has been delivered by the ancients? for they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.{/i}
 3{i}But he answering said to them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God on account of your traditional teaching?{/i}
 4{i}For God commanded saying, Honour father and mother; and, He that speaks ill of father or mother, let him die the death.{/i}
 5{i}But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or mother, It is a gift, whatsoever [it be] by which [received] from me thou wouldest be profited:{/i}
 6{i}and he shall in no wise honour his father or his mother; and ye have made void the commandment of God on account of your traditional teaching.{/i}
 7{i}Hypocrites! well has Esaias prophesied about you, saying,{/i}
 8{i}This people honour me with the lips, but their heart is far away from me;{/i}
 9{i}but in vain do they worship me, teaching [as] teachings commandments of men.{/i} (Matt. 15:2‑9)
;
Mark 7:3‑13• 3{i}for{/i} the Pharisees and all the Jews, unless they wash their hands diligently, eat not, holding the tradition of the ancients.
 4And when they come from the market-place, unless they are washed, they do not eat. And many other things there are which they have received to hold, the washing of cups and vessels, brazen utensils, and couches.
 5Then the Pharisees and scribes ask him, Why do thy disciples walk not according to the tradition of the ancients, but eat the bread with defiled hands?
 6{i}But{/i} he answered and said unto them, Well did Esaias prophesy concerning you, hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
 7But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
 8For, leaving the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of vessels and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
 9And he said to them, Well do ye set aside the commandment of God, that ye may observe your own tradition.
 10For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and he who speaks ill of father or mother, let him surely die.
 11{i}But{/i} ye say, If a man say to his father or mother, It is corban, that is, gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
 12and ye suffer him no more to do anything for his father or his mother,
 13making void the word of God through your traditions which ye have delivered: and many such like things ye do. (Mark 7:3‑13)
;
Gal. 1:14• 14and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many contemporaries in my nation, being very exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (Gal. 1:14)
;
1 Peter 1:18• 18knowing that not by corruptibles, silver or gold, ye were redeemed, from your vain course ancestrally handed down, (1 Peter 1:18)
the rudiments.
or, the elements.
Col. 2:20• 20If ye died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as alive in [the] world, do ye subject yourselves to ordinances? (Col. 2:20)
;
Gal. 4:3,9• 3So also we, when we were infants, were held in bondage under the principles of the world;
 9but now having known God, yea rather being known by God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly principles to which ye wish again afresh to be in bondage? (Gal. 4:3,9)
;
Eph. 2:2• 2in which ye once walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the sons of disobedience; (Eph. 2:2)
after Christ.
Eph. 4:20• 20But ye have not thus learnt the 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

+
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

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

W. Kelly Translation

+
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.