Verse 20 Dead--from the rudiments of the world; released from obligation to them, that is, from the Jewish rites. The language of the remainder of this passage (Colossians 2:20-23) is not a little obscure. The general sentiment which it has been understood to convey may be expressed thus: Why are ye subject to ordinances and outward prohibitions relating only to the perishable things of this life, that cannot spiritually affect the soul?--prohibitions which rest on the authority of human traditions, and which only make a show of sanctity by means of the outward mortification of the body.