Many translations have an issue with Colossians 2:16-17, but generally it stems from a presupposition that the law is done away with, and so the translators have to reconcile how this verse should be read while also upholding abandonment of law.
Let no one therefore judge you regarding what you eat or drink, or which feast days, new moons, or sabbaths. These things were all just a shadow of the things to come; but the substance belongs to Christ’s. (Colossians 2:16-17) Christian Understanding
Other translations include:
KJV but the body is of Christ
NKJV but the substance is of Christ
NASB but the substance belongs to Christ
NIV the reality, however, is found in Christ
NLT And Christ himself is the reality
BSB The body that casts it belongs to Christ
BLB The body [is] of Christ
Colossians 2:16-17 is often misunderstood in modern translations, leading to an interpretation that Paul was encouraging believers to abandon observances of dietary laws, Sabbaths, and festivals. However, a deeper examination of the Greek text, paired with a closer understanding of Hebraic tradition, paints a different picture. Paul was not negating the relevance of Torah observances but rather emphasizing who holds the authority to judge in these matters.
Most translations introduce the word “substance” implying that the feasts and Sabbaths were mere shadows now replaced by Christ. This mistranslation stems from a bias toward anti-Torah theology, which believes Paul was dismissing the ongoing observance of these commandments. In reality, Paul was underscoring the authority of the community of believers, rather than external critics, to guide them in these matters.
Revisiting the Greek Text
The Greek states, "τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ", literally interpretted would be "except the body of Christ".
The word for substance (οὐσία) is not found in the text. Many translations render οὐσία as "substance" which belongs to Christ, however, the actual Greek word used is σῶμα (soma), which literally means "body." If Paul had intended to say "substance" in the sense of essence, he would have used οὐσία.
The Greek phrase "σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ" (soma tou Christou), commonly rendered as "the body of Christ," appears numerous times throughout Paul's writings. It never refers to the Christ's physical body, but rather it refers explicitly to the congregation of believers—the Church. A more precise reading of the text suggests that Paul was advising the Colossians not to allow outsiders or non-believers to pass judgment on their observances. Instead, judgment in these areas should come from within the Church, the body of Christ.
This subtle distinction shifts the meaning entirely. Rather than discouraging observances like dietary laws or Sabbaths, Paul is actually asserting that it is the Church’s role, not outsiders, to provide guidance and judgment on these matters. The misunderstanding arises when translators insert the concept of "substance" as though Christ has rendered these practices obsolete. But the Greek text does not support this addition.
The Role of Minhag and Tradition
Paul’s approach aligns with the principle of minhag (Jewish custom), which allows for leniency or adaptation based on hardship. In Jewish law, when a minhag—a customary practice—imposes an undue burden on the community, a rabbinical authority can modify or even nullify it. Paul seems to invoke this principle by emphasizing that only the body of believers, rather than outside forces, can judge practices like extra dietary restrictions and the observance of festivals.
This principle also highlights that one group’s minhag cannot be imposed on another group with a conflicting minhag. In Jewish tradition, a community’s customs are specific to its unique circumstances, local needs, and traditions. For example, Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews maintain different customs in areas like dietary laws and liturgical practices. While each community is bound to its own minhag, it cannot force these customs onto another community with different traditions. Doing so would violate the autonomy of each group to uphold its own practices based on its context.
The Talmud explores similar issues, such as the debate over refraining from meat and wine after the destruction of the Temple. Some pious individuals adopted this practice out of mourning for the loss of the Temple sacrifices. However, the Sages ultimately ruled that this minhag could not be imposed on the entire community because it would cause undue hardship. This ruling underscores the idea that minhag must be flexible, shaped by the needs and capacity of the community, and not imposed universally, especially when it conflicts with established traditions.
Paul’s stance reflects this flexibility, advocating that only the body of Christ, the Church, should decide its customs based on what the community can endure. This prevents outside groups from enforcing conflicting or burdensome customs, respecting the autonomy of each group to navigate its own spiritual path within the broader framework of Torah observance.
It is important to note that minhag cannot override established law (halacha). While customs can adapt to the needs of a specific community, they must remain within the bounds of Torah law. A minhag that contradicts halacha or seeks to nullify a commandment is not valid. Paul’s argument in Colossians reflects this balance—while the community of believers may adapt customs based on their circumstances, such adaptations cannot contravene the core commandments of Torah. The flexibility allowed by minhag is never meant to undermine the authority of G-d's law.
Paul’s Appeal to Community Authority
In Colossians 2, Paul also subtly appeals to the authority of the Jewish leaders who "sit in the seat of Moses" (Matthew 23:2-3), recognizing that they had the power to enforce or relax certain customs when necessary. This same dynamic applies to the early Messianic believers, who were grappling with how to maintain their Jewish identity while embracing their faith in Yeshua as Messiah.
The apostolic community had the authority to guide its members in areas like dietary laws and festival observances. While Torah remained the foundation, the believers could navigate their traditions through collective decision-making, particularly when customs imposed hardships. In the same vein, Paul’s words in Colossians affirm that the Church, not external critics, should determine how such matters are handled.
The Shadow of Things to Come
Paul’s reference to these observances as "shadows of things to come" is not a dismissal but an acknowledgment of their prophetic significance. The festivals, new moons, and Sabbaths all point to future events in the Messianic age. Observing them keeps the community grounded in the timeline of redemption and in the prophetic significance of G-d’s plan.
For instance, Shabbat is a foretaste of the Millennial rest when the Messiah will reign. The festivals, such as Pesach (Passover), not only commemorate past deliverance but also anticipate future fulfillment in the Messianic kingdom. By continuing these observances, believers remain connected to the unfolding plan of G-d, awaiting its final realization.
Conclusion: Let the Body of Christ Judge
Colossians 2:16-17, far from encouraging believers to abandon Torah practices, reinforces the idea that judgment on these matters should come from within the believing community. Paul is emphasizing the congregation's role in guiding its members in observances, not granting a license to ignore them altogether. The "shadows" of the festivals and Sabbaths are still relevant, pointing toward the fulfillment of G-d’s plan in the Messianic age. Therefore, let only the body of Christ—the Church—judge how these are observed, rather than those outside the faith.
By understanding the text without trying to abolish the law, we see that Paul is calling for a community-centered approach to Torah observance, one that allows flexibility in the face of hardship but maintains a connection to the prophetic and spiritual significance of G-d’s commandments.
Let no one therefore judge [trial & punishment] you regarding what you food, drink, feast days, new moons, or sabbaths (which are a shadows of things to come); except the body of Christ [which is the church]. (Colossians 2:16-17)
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