Do not handle
This phrase reflects the ascetic practices that were being promoted by false teachers in Colossae. These practices were rooted in a belief that physical matter was inherently evil, a concept influenced by early Gnostic thought. The command to "not handle" suggests a prohibition against engaging with certain physical objects or activities deemed impure. This echoes the legalistic tendencies found in the Pharisaic traditions, where strict adherence to rules was emphasized over the spirit of the law (Matthew 23:23-24). The emphasis on external regulations contrasts with the freedom found in Christ, who fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17).

do not taste
The directive to "not taste" likely refers to dietary restrictions imposed by the false teachers. These restrictions may have been influenced by Jewish dietary laws or pagan practices, both of which were prevalent in the region. The early church grappled with the question of dietary laws, as seen in Acts 15:28-29, where the Jerusalem Council addressed what was required of Gentile believers. Paul's teaching in Romans 14:17 emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, highlighting the internal transformation over external observance.

do not touch!
The command to "not touch" suggests a prohibition against contact with certain objects or people considered unclean. This reflects a misunderstanding of holiness, which in the New Testament is not about physical separation but about being set apart for God through Christ. Jesus Himself touched lepers and the unclean, demonstrating that true purity comes from within (Mark 1:40-42). The emphasis on "do not touch" also parallels the Old Testament laws of purity, which were fulfilled in Christ, who declared all foods clean (Mark 7:18-19).

?
The question mark at the end of the verse indicates Paul's rhetorical style, challenging the Colossians to consider the futility of such regulations. These human commands and teachings are contrasted with the sufficiency of Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10). The rhetorical question invites believers to reflect on the freedom they have in Christ, who has set them free from the elemental spiritual forces of the world (Colossians 2:20). This freedom is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, as seen in Galatians 5:1, where believers are called to stand firm in their liberty and not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul is addressing the church in Colossae, providing guidance and correction regarding false teachings and legalistic practices.

2. Church in Colossae
A Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey. The church was facing challenges from false teachings that emphasized strict adherence to human traditions and regulations.

3. False Teachers
Individuals promoting a form of asceticism and legalism, urging believers to follow strict rules and regulations as a means of achieving spiritual purity.Understanding Legalism
Legalism focuses on strict adherence to rules and regulations as a means of achieving righteousness. Paul warns against this mindset, emphasizing that true spirituality is found in Christ, not in human traditions.

Freedom in Christ
Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, not bound by human-made rules. This freedom should lead to a life of love and service, not indulgence or legalism.

Discernment in Practice
While some practices may seem spiritual, they can distract from the core message of the Gospel. Believers must discern what aligns with the teachings of Christ and what is merely human tradition.

The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides believers into all truth, helping them to live out their faith authentically without being burdened by unnecessary rules.

Focus on Inner Transformation
True spiritual growth comes from a transformed heart and mind, not merely external compliance. Believers should seek to cultivate a relationship with Christ that transforms their inner being.(21) Touch not; taste not; handle not.--The first and last of these renderings should be inverted. There is in the commands a climax of strictness. "Handle not" (the unclean thing), "taste it not," "touch it not" with one of your fingers. It will be noted that all these commands are negative, not positive. They are marked by the ordinary ascetic preference of spiritual restraint to spiritual energy.

Verse 21 gives examples of the decrees which the Colossians are blamed for regarding and in this respect more than in any other they seem to have yielded to the demands of the false teacher. Do not handle, nor taste, nor touch' (vers. 16, 23; 1 Corinthians 6:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 8:8; 1 Corinthians 10:25-27, 30; Romans 14:14-17; 1 Timothy 4:3-5; Titus 1:15). These rules form part of a prohibitory regimen by which sinful tendencies to bodily pleasure were to be repressed (ver. 23), and spiritual truths symbolically enforced (ver. 17; see note on "circumcision," ver. 11): comp. Philo, 'On Concupiscence;' also 'On Victims,' § 3. Θίγης the last of the three verbs, appears to be the strongest, forbidding the slightest contact. Αψῃ is better rendered "handle" (comp. John 20:17); by itself it will scarcely bear the meaning it has in 1 Corinthians 7:1. The next verse seems to imply that all three verbs relate to matters of diet. Ambrose and other Latin Fathers of ascetic tendencies put these prohibitions into the mouth of St. Patti himself, reversing his meaning.

Parallel Commentaries ...


“{Do}
Μὴ (Mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

not handle,
ἅψῃ (hapsē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 680: Prop: I fasten to; I lay hold of, touch, know carnally. Reflexive of hapto; properly, to attach oneself to, i.e. To touch.

{do}
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

not taste,
γεύσῃ (geusē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1089: (a) I taste, (b) I experience. A primary verb; to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience.

{do}
μηδὲ (mēde)
Conjunction
Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither?nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.

not touch!”?
θίγῃς (thigēs)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2345: A prolonged form of an obsolete primary thigo; to manipulate, i.e. Have to do with; by implication, to injure.


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NT Letters: Colossians 2:21 Don't handle nor taste nor touch (Coloss. Col Co)