20. Ye be dead (azeJdvere). Rev., more correctly, ye died ; the aorist tense indicating a definite event. Paul uses the word died in many different relations, expressing that with which
* See the very interesting illustrations from Aristotle in Lightfoot. Vou, III.—82
A98 WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. [Cu. IL.
death dissolves the connection. Thus, ded wnto sin, unto self, unto the law, unto the world.
Rudiments of the world. Elementary teachings and prac- tices the peculiar sphere of which is the world. World (xocpov) has its ethical sense, the sum-total of human life in the ordered world, considered apart from, alienated from, and hostile to God, and of the earthly things which seduce from God. See on John i. 9.
Are ye subject to ordinances (doypariterte). Only here in the New Testament. Rev., subject yourselves. Better pas- sive, as emphasizing spiritual bondage. Why do ye submit to be dictated to? See on 1 Cor. i. 22, where the imperious atti- tude of the Jews appears in their demanding credentials of the Gospel as sole possessors of the truth. The ordinances include both those of the law and of philosophy.
21. Touch—taste—handle (apy—yeton—iyns). “Arro- pa, A. V., touch, is properly to fasten one’s self to or cling to. So John xx. 17 (note). Frequently rendered towch in the New Testament, and used in most cases of Christ’s touching or being touched by the diseased. Zo get hands on so as to igure, 1 John v.18. Zo have wmtercourse with, 1 Cor. vii. 1; 2 Cor. vi. 17. Thus, in every case, the contact described exerts a modify- ing influence, and a more permanent contact or effect of contact is often implied than is expressed by towch. ‘“ The idea of a voluntary or conscious effort is often involved.” No single English word will express all these phases of meaning. Handle comes, perhaps, as near as any other, especially in its sense of treatment, as when we say that a speaker or writer handles a subject; or that a man is roughly handled by his enemies. This wider and stronger sense does not attach to Suyyaveuy, A. V., handle, though the two words are sometimes used inter. changeably, as Exod. xix. 12, and though Suyydvew also implies a modifying contact, unlike wyraddw, which signifies to touch with a view of ascertaining the quality of the object ; to feel after, to grope. See Luke xxiv. 89; Acts xvii. 27. Thus nradivea is blind-man’s-buff. The contact implied by Seyyd-
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vey is more superficial and transitory. It lies between dmrropas and yyAapdw. Thus we have here a climax which is lost in the A. V. Handle not, taste not, do not even touch. Rev., handle not, nor taste, nor touch.
22. Which things. Meats, drinks, ete.
Are to perish (éo7uy eis PIopav). Lit., are for corruption ; destined for (eés). Corruption, in the physical sense of decom- position.
With the using (79 amoypyjcer). Only here in the New Testament. Rather, using up, consumption. Their very using destroys them. Which things—using form a parenthesis.
After the commandments and doctrines (kata Ta évtan- pata Kal dvdacKanias). Connect with vv. 20, 21. °Evrd\para are specific injunctions. Rev., better, precepts: déacKanréas, more general, doctrinal instructions. Both answer to the rudi- ments of the world (ver. 20). Compare Matt. xv. 1-20; Mark vil. 1-23.
23. Which things (a@rwa). The double relative classifies, put- ting these precepts and teachings, and all that are like them, in one category: a class of things which. For similar usage, see Gal. iv. 24; v. 19; Philip. iv. 3.
Have a show of wisdom (éc7uv Aoyov éyovta codias). Lit., are having a reputation for wisdom. The finite verb are, with the participle having, denotes what is habitual, and marks the permanent quality of these precepts, etc. Aoyov, A. V., show, is rather plausible reason, a show of reason, and hence a rep- utation. They pass popularly for wisdom.