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,

COLOSSIANS 2:18KJV
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Colossians 2:18 (KJV)

What does Colossians 2:18 mean?

Colossians 2:18 warns believers not to let anyone trick them out of their spiritual reward by insisting on self-imposed humility and worship of angels, or by claiming special visions and being prideful about things they have not truly seen. The verse cautions against being led astray by people who are puffed up by their own human thinking rather than grounded in Christ.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Colossae, addressing concerns about false teachings that mixed Christian faith with other spiritual practices. Some people in the community were promoting extra rules, mystical experiences, and the veneration of angels as necessary for spiritual fullness. Paul urges the Colossians not to be swayed by such teachings, emphasizing that these practices come from human pride and imagination, not from genuine faith in Christ.

The Greek behind Colossians 2:18

  • "βραβεύω" (beguile, transliterated as katabrabeuō): This word carries the idea of someone acting as an umpire or judge, deciding against another and depriving them of a prize. Here, it warns against letting others disqualify believers from their spiritual reward.
  • "ταπεινοφροσύνη" (humility, transliterated as tapeinophrosynē): This word refers to humility, but in this context, it is described as "voluntary" or self-imposed, suggesting a false or showy humility rather than genuine modesty.
  • "θρησκεία" (worshipping, transliterated as thrēskeia): This word means religious observance or worship, and here it is specifically linked to the worship of angels, which Paul warns against as a misguided practice.
  • "εἰσερχόμενος" (intruding into, transliterated as eiserchomenos): This word suggests entering into things one has not truly seen or experienced, highlighting the danger of claiming spiritual insight that is not grounded in truth.

Why Colossians 2:18 matters

  • Colossians 2:18 clarifies that spiritual growth and reward do not come from following extra rules, mystical experiences, or the worship of angels, but from holding firmly to Christ.
  • The verse exposes how pride can disguise itself as humility or spirituality, warning believers to be careful of teachings that seem impressive but are not rooted in the gospel.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger message in Colossians 2, where he urges believers to stay focused on Christ as the true source of wisdom and spiritual life, rather than being distracted by human traditions or philosophies.

Where else these words appear

“worshipping” Greek G2356 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
  • James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
  • James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

“vainly” Greek G1500 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
  • Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
  • Galatians 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

“humility” Greek G5012 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
  • Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
  • Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

“up” Greek G5448 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
  • 1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
  • 1 Corinthians 8:1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.