Colossians 2:20 — Compare Translations

Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:

26 words · Balance of accuracy and readability

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, ^{rudiments: or, elements}

28 words · Formal / word-for-word

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations —

28 words · Essentially literal

You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as,

32 words · Thought-for-thought clarity

So, then, if with Christ you've put all that pretentious and infantile religion behind you, why do you let yourselves be bullied by it?

24 words · Contemporary paraphrase

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,

30 words · Most literal English translation