The Meaning of Colossians 2:8 Explained

Colossians 2:8

KJV: Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

YLT: See that no one shall be carrying you away as spoil through the philosophy and vain deceit, according to the deliverance of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ,

Darby: See that there be no one who shall lead you 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.

ASV: Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Beware  lest  any man  spoil  you  through  philosophy  and  vain  deceit,  after  the tradition  of men,  after  the rudiments  of the world,  and  not  after  Christ. 

What does Colossians 2:8 Mean?

Study Notes

world
kosmos = mankind.
The Greek word kosmos means "order," "arrangement," and so, with the Greeks, "beauty"; for order and arrangement in the sense of system are at the bottom of the Greek conception of beauty.
When used in the N.T. of humanity, the "world" of men, it is organized humanity-- humanity in families, tribes, nations--which is meant. The word for chaotic, unorganized humanity--the mere mass of man is thalassa, the "sea" of men (e.g.) Revelation 13:1 (See Scofield " Revelation 13:8 ") . For "world" (kosmos) in the bad ethical sense, "world system" John 7:7 .

Verse Meaning

"Much depends on our semantics at this point. If by philosophy we mean the search for clarity and understanding regarding the whole of reality, then the Christian must in a sense philosophize. He must think clearly, and he must strive for a self-consistent view of life. In his quest, however, he must always submit to the guidance, limitation, and criticism of the light of divine revelation. On the other hand, if by philosophy we mean human speculation regarding man"s basic questions without due respect for the revelation of God, then the Christian, no doubt, will accord this philosophy a greatly diminished relevance to his life and calling....
"I seriously question the view that Paul, as Tertullian after him, is to be understood as condemning all study of philosophy [1]....
"I take the word, then, to be limited by the context; the Colossian philosophy is in mind, as well as any other, of course, which is not in harmony with divine revelation." [2]
"Empty deception" describes "philosophy." This is clear from the fact that the two nouns are the objects of one preposition, "through" (Gr. dia), and there is no article before "empty deception." The idea is that the particular philosophy Paul had been warning his readers about was empty deception ("vain deceit," AV). These are not two separate dangers. This had come down to his readers as pagan tradition.
"Although the context of Colossians 2:8 probably has reference to a proto-gnostic type of philosophy at Colosse that had a disastrous mix of legalism, asceticism, and mysticism with Christianity, the implications of Paul"s exhortation to "beware of philosophy" are appropriately applied to other alien systems of thought that have invaded Christianity down through the centuries since then." [3]
". . . We cannot properly beware of philosophy unless we be aware of philosophy." [4]
The "elementary principles (Gr. stoicheia) of the world" probably refer to the religious practices the false teachers were promoting that were simply external and physical ( Colossians 2:20; cf. Galatians 4:3; Galatians 4:9). The view of many commentators is that this false religious system of worship had the elemental spirits as its subject matter (cf. Colossians 2:18). [5] These practices probably involved observance of the Law of Moses. Christ was neither the source nor the content of these teachings.
"The context makes it clear that these prohibitions refer to things that are ethically neutral, not to things that are inherently sinful.... Voluntary self-denial in matters of food can be a helpful spiritual exercise, and may on occasion be recommended by considerations of Christian charity; but what is deprecated here is a form of asceticism for asceticism"s sake, cultivated as a religious obligation....
"As has been said, the Colossian heresy was basically Jewish. Yet the straightforward Judaizing legalism of Galatians was not envisaged in Colossians. Instead it was a form of mysticism which tempted its adepts to look on themselves as a spiritual elite....
"To look to movements within Judaism for the source of the Colossian heresy is a wiser procedure than to postulate direct influences from Iranian [6] or Greek culture." [7]
"It is best to recognize that both Jewish and Gentile elements were present in the Colossian heresy, many of which were generally shared by the populace in the highly charged world of the first century, especially in the syncretistic and Hellenistic mood of Achaia and western Asia Minor. Many of the elements developed into the Gnosticism of the second century but with far more elaborate philosophical-religious views than are found in Colossians. The most one can say of the error in Colossians is that it was a syncretism of Jewish, Gentile, and Christian features that diminished the all-sufficiency of Christ"s salvation and His personal preeminence." [8]

Context Summary

Colossians 2:1-12 - Established In Their Faith
If you know Christ, you can lay your hand on the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They are matters of daily experience. The Apostle's aim in this chapter is to put his converts on their guard against those who might divert them from their simple faith in Jesus, and their sufficiency in Him. The keynotes are Take heed and Let no one.
The first act of the Christian life is to receive Christ, and every moment afterward we must continue receiving Him. The act must become an attitude. Breathe in the love and power of Jesus. Take deep breaths. Then we shall be rooted in Him in secret, and built up in Him in our outward walk and behavior. If we have Christ, we have all God's fullness, and this is easily accessible. Like Jacob's ladder, He links us with God. What need have we for celestial beings, like those invented by the Gnostics, or for the rite of circumcision, as insisted on by the Jews? We have everything in Jesus. He has fulfilled the Law in all respects on our behalf. Let us put the waters of entire surrender and consecration between our past, our sins, and the world, and rise into His life, the life of resurrection glory and power. [source]

Chapter Summary: Colossians 2

1  Paul still exhorts them to be constant in Christ;
8  to beware of philosophy, and vain traditions;
18  worshipping of angels;
20  and legal ceremonies, which are ended in Christ

Greek Commentary for Colossians 2:8

Take heed [βλεπετε]
Present active imperative second person plural of βλεπω — blepō common verb for warning like our “look out,” “beware,” “see to it.” [source]
Lest there shall be any one [μη τις εσται]
Negative purpose with the future indicative, though the aorist subjunctive also occurs as in 2 Corinthians 12:6. That maketh spoil of you (ο συλαγωγων — ho sulagōgōn). Articular present active participle of συλαγωγεω — sulagōgeō late and rare (found here first) verb (from συλη — sulē booty, and αγω — agō to lead, to carry), to carry off as booty a captive, slave, maiden. Only here in N.T. Note the singular here. There was some one outstanding leader who was doing most of the damage in leading the people astray. Through his philosophy The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
That maketh spoil of you [ο συλαγωγων]
Articular present active participle of συλαγωγεω — sulagōgeō late and rare (found here first) verb (from συλη — sulē booty, and αγω — agō to lead, to carry), to carry off as booty a captive, slave, maiden. Only here in N.T. Note the singular here. There was some one outstanding leader who was doing most of the damage in leading the people astray. [source]
Through his philosophy [δια της πιλοσοπιας]
The only use of the word in the N.T. and employed by Paul because the Gnostics were fond of it. Old word from πιλοσοπος — philosophos Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. Tradition Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
And vain deceit [παραδοσιν]
Old word for trick, guile, like riches (Matthew 13:22). Descriptive of the philosophy of the Gnostics. [source]
Tradition [παραδιδωμι]
Old word from στοιχεια — paradidōmi a giving over, a passing on. The word is colourless in itself. The tradition may be good (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6) or bad (Mark 7:3). Here it is worthless and harmful, merely the foolish theories of the Gnostics. Rudiments (στοιχος — stoicheia). Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. And not after Christ Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Rudiments [στοιχος]
Old word for anything in a και ου κατα Χριστον — stoichos (row, series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe (2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12), elementary teaching (Hebrews 5:12), elements of Jewish ceremonial training (Acts 15:10; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9), the specious arguments of the Gnostic philosophers as here with all their aeons and rules of life. [source]
And not after Christ [kai ou kata Christon)]
Christ is the yardstick by which to measure philosophy and all phases of human knowledge. The Gnostics were measuring Christ by their philosophy as many men are doing today. They have it backwards. Christ is the measure for all human knowledge since he is the Creator and the Sustainer of the universe. [source]
Beware [βλέπετε]
Lit., see to it. [source]
Lest any man spoil you [μὴ τὶς ἔσται ὑμᾶς ὁ συλαγωγῶν]
The Greek is more precise and personal: lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil. So Rev. Συλαγωγέω tocarry off booty, only here in the New Testament. A very strong expression for the work of the false teachers; make you yourselves a booty. The A.V. is ambiguous, and might be taken to mean corrupt or damage you. [source]
Philosophy and vain deceit [τῆς φιλοσοφίας καὶ κενῆς ἀπάτης]
Rev. gives the force of the article, his philosophy: καὶ and is explanatory, philosophy which is also vain deceit. Hence the warning is not against all philosophy. Φιλοσοφία , philosophy, only here in the New Testament. It had originally a good meaning, the love of wisdom, but is used by Paul in the sense of vain speculation and with special reference to its being the name by which the false teachers at Colossae designated not only their speculative system, but also their practical system, so that it covered their ascetic practices no less than their mysticism. Bishop Lightfoot remarks upon the fact that philosophy, by which the Greeks expressed the highest effort of the intellect, and virtue ( ἀρετή ), their expression for the highest moral excellence, are each used but once by Paul, showing “that the Gospel had deposed the terms as inadequate to the higher standard, whether of knowledge or practice, which it had introduced.” [source]
After the tradition []
Connect with the whole phrase philosophy and vain deceit, as descriptive of its source and subject matter. Others connect with make spoil. The term is especially appropriate to the Judaeo-Gnostic teachings in Colossae, which depended for their authority, not on ancient writings, but on tradition. The later mystical theology or metaphysic of the Jews was called Kabbala, literally meaning reception or received doctrines, tradition. [source]
Rudiments [στοιχεῖα]
See on 2 Peter 3:10. Rudimentary teachings, as in Hebrews 5:12; applicable alike to Jewish and to Gentile teaching. Ceremonialism - meats, drinks, washings, Essenic asceticism, pagan symbolic mysteries and initiatory rites - all belonged to a rudimentary moral stage. Compare Colossians 2:11, Colossians 2:21, and Galatians 4:9. [source]
Of the world []
Material as contrasted with spiritual. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Colossians 2:8

Acts 20:30 From among your own selves [εχ υμων αυτων]
In sheep‘s clothing just as Jesus had foretold. The outcome fully justified Paul‘s apprehensions as we see in Colossians, Ephesians, I and II Timothy, Revelation. False philosophy, immorality, asceticism will lead some astray (Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:18; Ephesians 4:14; Ephesians 5:6). John will picture “antichrists” who went out from us because they were not of us (1 Jo John 2:18.). There is a false optimism that is complacently blind as well as a despondent pessimism that gives up the fight. [source]
Romans 15:5 Grant you [δωιη υμιν]
Second aorist active optative (Koiné{[28928]}š form for older δοιη — doiē) as in 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 1:16, 2 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:25, though MSS. vary in Ephesians 1:17; 2 Timothy 2:25 for δωηι — dōēi (subjunctive). The optative here is for a wish for the future (regular idiom). According to Christ Jesus (κατα Χριστον Ιησουν — kata Christon Iēsoun). “According to the character or example of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:17; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 5:24). [source]
Romans 15:5 According to Christ Jesus [κατα Χριστον Ιησουν]
“According to the character or example of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 11:17; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 5:24). [source]
Galatians 4:3 Elements of the world [τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου]
For the word στοιχεῖα in N.T. see Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20; Hebrews 5:12; 2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12. See on 2 Peter 3:10. Interpretations differ. 1. Elements of knowledge, rudimentary religious ideas. See Hebrews 5:12. The meaning of world will then be, the material as distinguished from the spiritual realm. Elements of the world will be the crude beginnings of religion, suited to the condition of children, and pertaining to those who are not Christians: elementary religious truths belonging to mankind in general. Thus the Jewish economy was of the world as appealing to the senses, and affording only the first elements of a spiritual system. The child-heir was taught only faint outlines of spiritual truth, and was taught them by worldly symbols. 2. Elements of nature - of the physical world, especially the heavenly bodies. See 2 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 3:12; Wisd. 7:17. According to this explanation, the point would be that the ordering of the religious life was regulated by the order of nature; “the days, months, times,” etc. (Galatians 4:10), as well as the heathen festivals, being dependent on the movements of the heavenly bodies. This was the patristic view (Ambrose, Augustine, Chrysostom, Theodoret). 3. The elements of the world are the personal, elemental spirits. This seems to be the preferable explanation, both here and in Colossians 2:8. According to Jewish ideas, all things had their special angels. In the Book of Jubilees, chapter 2, appear, the angel of the presence (comp. Isaiah 63:9); the angel of adoration; the spirits of the wind, the clouds, darkness, hail, frost, thunder and lightning, winter and spring, cold and heat. In the Book of Enoch, 82:10-14, appear the angels of the stars, who keep watch that the stars may appear at the appointed time, and who are punished if the stars do not appear (18:15). In the Revelation of John we find four angels of the winds (14:18); the angel of the waters (16:5); the angel in the sun (19:17). In Hebrews 1:7we read, “who maketh his angels winds.” Paul also recognizes elemental forces of the spiritual world. The thorn is “a messenger of Satan” (2 Corinthians 12:7); Satan prevents his journey to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:18); the Corinthian offender is to be “delivered to Satan” (1 Corinthians 5:5); the Kingdom of God is opposed by “principalities and powers” (1 Corinthians 15:24); Christians wrestle against “the rulers of the darkness of this world; against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the upper regions” (Ephesians 6:12). In this passage the elements of the world are compared with overseers and stewards. This would seem to require a personal interpretation. In Galatians 4:8, “did service to them which by nature are no gods,” appears to be = “in bondage under the elements,” suggesting a personal interpretation of the latter. The Galatians had turned again to the observance of times and seasons (Galatians 4:10), which were controlled by the heavenly bodies and their spirits. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
[source]

Galatians 4:3 We were held in bondage [ημεις ημετα δεδουλωμενοι]
Periphrastic past perfect of δουλοω — douloō to enslave, in a permanent state of bondage. Under the rudiments of the world (υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου — hupo ta stoicheia tou kosmou). Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world (κοσμος — kosmos as the orderly material universe as in Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Galatians 4:3 Under the rudiments of the world [υπο τα στοιχεια του κοσμου]
Στοιχος — Stoichos is row or rank, a series. So στοιχειον — stoicheion is any first thing in a στοιχος — stoichos like the letters of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2 Peter 3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the rudiments of any act (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 15:10; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world See note on Matthew 13:38; note on Acts 17:24; note on 1 Corinthians 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before Christ came. [source]
Colossians 2:20 From the rudiments of the world [απο των στοιχειων του κοσμου]
See note on Colossians 2:8. As though living in the world (ως ζωντες εν κοσμωι — hōs zōntes en kosmōi). Concessive use of the participle with ως — hōs The picture is that of baptism, having come out (F. B. Meyer) on the other side of the grave, we are not to act as though we had not done so. We are in the Land of Beulah. Why do ye subject yourselves to ordinances? Late and rare verb (three examples in inscriptions and often in lxx) made from δογμα — dogma decree or ordinance. Here it makes good sense either as middle or passive. In either case they are to blame since the bond of decrees (Colossians 2:14) was removed on the Cross of Christ. Paul still has in mind the rules of the ascetic wing of the Gnostics (Colossians 2:16.). [source]
1 Timothy 6:20 Vain babblings [κενοφωνίας]
Only in Pastorals. olxx, oClass. From κενός emptyand φωνή voiceOppositions of science falsely so called ( ἀνιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως )Better, oppositions of the falsely-named knowledge. Ἁντίθεσις , N.T.oolxx. Used here, in its simple sense, of the arguments and teachings of those who opposed the true Christian doctrine as intrusted to Timothy. Γνῶσις knowledgewas the characteristic word of the Gnostic school, the most formidable enemy of the church of the second century. The Gnostics claimed a superior knowledge peculiar to an intellectual caste. According to them, it was by this philosophic insight, as opposed to faith, that humanity was to be regenerated. faith was suited only to the rude masses, the animal-men. The intellectual questions which occupied these teachers were two: to explain the work of creation, and to account for the existence of evil. Their ethical problem was how to develop the higher nature in the environment of matter which was essentially evil. In morals they ran to two opposite extremes - asceticism and licentiousness. The principal representatives of the school were Basilides, Valentinus, and Marcion. Although Gnosticism as a distinct system did not reach its full development until about the middle of the second century, foreshadowings of it appear in the heresy at which Paul's Colossian letter was aimed. It is not strange if we find in the Pastoral Epistles allusions pointing to Gnostic errors; but, as already remarked, it is impossible to refer these allusions to any one definite system of error. The word γνῶσις cannot therefore be interpreted to mean the Gnostic system; while it may properly be understood as referring to that conceit of knowledge which opposed itself to the Christian faith. Ψευδώνυμος falsely-namedN.T.oolxx. It characterises the γνῶσις as claiming that name without warrant, and as being mere vain babbling. Comp. Colossians href="/desk/?q=col+2:8&sr=1">Colossians 2:8. [source]
1 Timothy 1:3 Some [τισὶν]
Note the indefinite designation of the errorists, and comp. 1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 5:15, 1 Timothy 5:24; 1 Timothy 6:21. The expression is contemptuous. It is assumed that Timothy knows who they are. This is after the Pauline manner. See Galatians 1:7; Galatians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 4:18; 1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Corinthians 3:1; Colossians 2:4, Colossians 2:8. [source]
1 Timothy 6:20 Only in Pastorals. olxx, oClass. From κενός emptyand φωνή voice Oppositions of science falsely so called [ἀνιθέσεις τῆς ψευδωνύμου γνώσεως]
Better, oppositions of the falsely-named knowledge. Ἁντίθεσις , N.T.oolxx. Used here, in its simple sense, of the arguments and teachings of those who opposed the true Christian doctrine as intrusted to Timothy. Γνῶσις knowledgewas the characteristic word of the Gnostic school, the most formidable enemy of the church of the second century. The Gnostics claimed a superior knowledge peculiar to an intellectual caste. According to them, it was by this philosophic insight, as opposed to faith, that humanity was to be regenerated. faith was suited only to the rude masses, the animal-men. The intellectual questions which occupied these teachers were two: to explain the work of creation, and to account for the existence of evil. Their ethical problem was how to develop the higher nature in the environment of matter which was essentially evil. In morals they ran to two opposite extremes - asceticism and licentiousness. The principal representatives of the school were Basilides, Valentinus, and Marcion. Although Gnosticism as a distinct system did not reach its full development until about the middle of the second century, foreshadowings of it appear in the heresy at which Paul's Colossian letter was aimed. It is not strange if we find in the Pastoral Epistles allusions pointing to Gnostic errors; but, as already remarked, it is impossible to refer these allusions to any one definite system of error. The word γνῶσις cannot therefore be interpreted to mean the Gnostic system; while it may properly be understood as referring to that conceit of knowledge which opposed itself to the Christian faith. Ψευδώνυμος falsely-namedN.T.oolxx. It characterises the γνῶσις as claiming that name without warrant, and as being mere vain babbling. Comp. Colossians href="/desk/?q=col+2:8&sr=1">Colossians 2:8. [source]
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed [βλεπετε]
Present active imperative as in Philemon 3:2 (three times) of βλεπω — blepō in place of the more usual ορατε — horate Solemn warning to the Jewish Christians from the experience of the Israelites as told in Psalm 95:1-11. Lest haply there shall be Negative purpose with μη ποτε — mē pote and the future indicative as in Mark 14:2. But we have in Colossians 2:8 μη τις εσται — mē tis estai as in Hebrews 12:25; μη — mē occurs with the aorist subjunctive, and μη ποτε — mē pote with present subjunctive (Hebrews 4:1) or aorist subjunctive (Acts 5:39). In any one of you The application is personal and pointed. An evil heart of unbelief A remarkable combination. Heart Απιστιας — Apistias is more than mere unbelief, here rather disbelief, refusal to believe, genitive case describing the evil heart marked by disbelief which is no mark of intelligence then or now. In falling away from the living God “In the falling away” (locative case with εν — en of the second aorist active (intransitive) infinitive of απιστημι — aphistēmi to stand off from, to step aside from “Remember that to apostatize from Christ in whom you have found God is to apostatize from God” (Dods). That is true today. See Ezekiel 20:8 for this use of the verb. [source]
Hebrews 5:12 Teachers [διδασκαλοι]
Predicate nominative after ειναι — einai By reason of the time Alas, what a commentary on modern Christians. That some one teach you the rudiments Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 By reason of the time [δια τον χρονον]
Alas, what a commentary on modern Christians. That some one teach you the rudiments Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
Hebrews 5:12 That some one teach you the rudiments [του διδασκειν υμας τινα τα στοιχεια]
Neat Greek idiom, genitive case of the articular infinitive (need of the teaching) with two accusatives of the person For στοιχεια — stoicheia see Galatians 4:3, Galatians 4:9; Colossians 2:8. Of the first principles of the oracles of God Three genitives linked to each other. Αρχης — Archēs (beginning) illustrates τα στοιχεια — ta stoicheia just before, the A B C of Christian teaching like Hebrews 6:1. Λογιον — Logion is a diminutive of logos, divine oracles being usually brief, common in the O.T. and Philo for God‘s words, in N.T. used for the O.T. (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2), of God‘s word through Christians (1 Peter 4:11), of the substance of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12). Of milk Because still babes (1 Corinthians 3:2) and not able to chew “solid food” (στερεας τροπης — stereās trophēs), without intellectual and spiritual teeth.sa120 [source]
2 Peter 3:10 The elements [στοιχεῖα]
Derived from στοῖχος , a row, and meaning originally one of a row or series; hence a component or element. The name for the letters of the alphabet, as being set in rows. Applied to the four elements - fire, air, earth, water; and in later times to the planets and signs of the zodiac. It is used in all ethical sense in other passages; as in Galatians 4:3, “elements or rudiments of the world.” Also of elementary teaching, such as the law, which was fitted for an earlier stage in the world's history; and of the first principles of religious knowledge among men. In Colossians 2:8, of formal ordinances. Compare Hebrews 5:12. The kindred verb στοιχέω , to walk, carries the idea of keeping in line, according to the radical sense. Thus, walk according to rule (Galatians 6:16); walkest orderly (Acts 21:24). So, too, the compound συστοιχέω , only in Galatians 4:25, answereth to, lit., belongs to the same row or column with. The Greek grammarians called the categories of letters arranged according to the organs of speech συστοιχίαι . Here the word is of course used in a physical sense, meaning the parts of which this system of things is composed. Some take it as meaning the heavenly bodies, but the term is too late and technical in that sense. Compare Matthew 24:29, the powers of the heaven. [source]
2 Peter 3:10 As a thief [ως κλεπτης]
That is suddenly, without notice. This very metaphor Jesus had used (Luke 12:39; Matthew 24:43) and Paul after him (1 Thessalonians 5:2) and John will quote it also (Revelation 3:3; Revelation 16:15).In the which (εν ηι — en hēi). The day when the Lord comes.Shall pass away Future middle of παρερχομαι — parerchomai old verb, to pass by.With a great noise (ροιζηδον — roizēdon). Late and rare adverb (from ροιζεω ροιζος — roizeōτα στοιχεια — roizos) - Lycophron, Nicander, here only in N.T., onomatopoetic, whizzing sound of rapid motion through the air like the flight of a bird, thunder, fierce flame.The elements Old word (from λυτησεται — stoichos a row), in Plato in this sense, in other senses also in N.T. as the alphabet, ceremonial regulations (Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 4:3; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:8).Shall be dissolved (λυω — luthēsetai). Future passive of στοιχεια — luō to loosen, singular because καυσουμενα — stoicheia is neuter plural.With fervent heat Present passive participle of καυσος — kausoō late verb (from καυσομενα — kausos usually medical term for fever) and nearly always employed for fever temperature. Mayor suggests a conflagration from internal heat. Bigg thinks it merely a vernacular (Doric) future for καιω — kausomena (from κατακαησεται — kaiō to burn).Shall be burned up (κατακαιω — katakaēsetai). Repeated in 2 Peter 3:12. Second future passive of the compound verb ευρετησεται — katakaiō to burn down (up), according to A L. But Aleph B K P read ευρισκω — heurethēsetai (future passive of heuriskō to find) “shall be found.” There are various other readings here. The text seems corrupt. [source]
2 Peter 3:10 Shall pass away [παρελευσονται]
Future middle of παρερχομαι — parerchomai old verb, to pass by.With a great noise (ροιζηδον — roizēdon). Late and rare adverb (from ροιζεω ροιζος — roizeōτα στοιχεια — roizos) - Lycophron, Nicander, here only in N.T., onomatopoetic, whizzing sound of rapid motion through the air like the flight of a bird, thunder, fierce flame.The elements Old word (from λυτησεται — stoichos a row), in Plato in this sense, in other senses also in N.T. as the alphabet, ceremonial regulations (Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 4:3; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:8).Shall be dissolved (λυω — luthēsetai). Future passive of στοιχεια — luō to loosen, singular because καυσουμενα — stoicheia is neuter plural.With fervent heat Present passive participle of καυσος — kausoō late verb (from καυσομενα — kausos usually medical term for fever) and nearly always employed for fever temperature. Mayor suggests a conflagration from internal heat. Bigg thinks it merely a vernacular (Doric) future for καιω — kausomena (from κατακαησεται — kaiō to burn).Shall be burned up (κατακαιω — katakaēsetai). Repeated in 2 Peter 3:12. Second future passive of the compound verb ευρετησεται — katakaiō to burn down (up), according to A L. But Aleph B K P read ευρισκω — heurethēsetai (future passive of heuriskō to find) “shall be found.” There are various other readings here. The text seems corrupt. [source]
2 Peter 3:10 The elements [στοιχος]
Old word (from λυτησεται — stoichos a row), in Plato in this sense, in other senses also in N.T. as the alphabet, ceremonial regulations (Hebrews 5:12; Galatians 4:3; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:8).Shall be dissolved (λυω — luthēsetai). Future passive of στοιχεια — luō to loosen, singular because καυσουμενα — stoicheia is neuter plural.With fervent heat Present passive participle of καυσος — kausoō late verb (from καυσομενα — kausos usually medical term for fever) and nearly always employed for fever temperature. Mayor suggests a conflagration from internal heat. Bigg thinks it merely a vernacular (Doric) future for καιω — kausomena (from κατακαησεται — kaiō to burn).Shall be burned up (κατακαιω — katakaēsetai). Repeated in 2 Peter 3:12. Second future passive of the compound verb ευρετησεται — katakaiō to burn down (up), according to A L. But Aleph B K P read ευρισκω — heurethēsetai (future passive of heuriskō to find) “shall be found.” There are various other readings here. The text seems corrupt. [source]

What do the individual words in Colossians 2:8 mean?

Take heed lest anyone you there will be - taking captive through - philosophy and empty deceit according to the tradition - of men the principles of the world not Christ
Βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς ἔσται συλαγωγῶν διὰ τῆς φιλοσοφίας καὶ κενῆς ἀπάτης κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου οὐ Χριστόν

Βλέπετε  Take  heed 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: βλέπω  
Sense: to see, discern, of the bodily eye.
μή  lest 
Parse: Adverb
Root: μή 
Sense: no, not lest.
τις  anyone 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
ἔσται  there  will  be 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
συλαγωγῶν  taking  captive 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: συλαγωγέω  
Sense: to carry off booty.
διὰ  through 
Parse: Preposition
Root: διά  
Sense: through.
τῆς  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
φιλοσοφίας  philosophy 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: φιλοσοφία  
Sense: love of wisdom.
κενῆς  empty 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: κενός  
Sense: empty, vain, devoid of truth.
ἀπάτης  deceit 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπάτη  
Sense: deceit, deceitfulness.
κατὰ  according  to 
Parse: Preposition
Root: κατά 
Sense: down from, through out.
παράδοσιν  tradition 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: παράδοσις  
Sense: giving up, giving over.
τῶν  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀνθρώπων  of  men 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: ἄνθρωπος  
Sense: a human being, whether male or female.
στοιχεῖα  principles 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: στοιχεῖον  
Sense: any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal.
τοῦ  of  the 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
κόσμου  world 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: κόσμος  
Sense: an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government.
Χριστόν  Christ 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: Χριστός  
Sense: Christ was the Messiah, the Son of God.