Colossians 2:18
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 2:18 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse, found in the book of Colossians, warns believers against being deceived by false teachings and losing their reward. The phrase "voluntary humility and worshipping of angels" refers to a false humility that stems from human pride rather than genuine reverence for God. Those who promote such teachings, "intruding into those things which he hath not seen," are portrayed as individuals who claim knowledge of spiritual matters they have not actually witnessed or experienced. The verse cautions against being led astray by individuals who are "vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind," meaning they are driven by worldly desires and not by a true understanding of God's will. Therefore, believers are advised to hold fast to the truth of the gospel and to be wary of teachings that do not align with the Word of God.
Theological Overview
When looking at the theological interpretation of this verse, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. The Apostle Paul was addressing the Colossian church, warning them against false teachings that could potentially lead them astray. In this particular verse, Paul is cautioning against those who promote a form of humility that is not genuine, as well as the worship of angels. He emphasizes that those who engage in these practices are intruding into matters they do not fully comprehend and are being driven by their own fleshly desires rather than true spiritual understanding. By focusing on voluntary humility and the worship of angels, individuals may be led away from the true message of the gospel and the ultimate reward that comes from following Christ faithfully.
Colossians 2:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
World English Bible
Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Douay-Rheims
Let no man seduce you, willing in humility and religion of angels, walking in the things which he hath not seen, in vain puffed up by the sense of his flesh:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let no man at his pleasure beare rule ouer you by humblenesse of minde, and worshipping of Angels, aduauncing himselfe in those thinges which hee neuer sawe, rashly puft vp with his fleshly minde,