2:23a
have an appearance of wisdom: Or “…have a reputation for wisdom.” Paul was saying that these rules seemed to be wise—but they were not. They appeared to be rules that taught people the correct way to behave, but (2:23e) they did not succeed.
2:23b
self-prescribed worship: The first “wise” rule that Paul specified concerned self-prescribed worship. The meaning of the Greek word is difficult to understand, so English versions translate it in many different ways. The basic meaning seems to be that the people attempt to please God by willingly forcing themselves to follow difficult religious rules.
2:23c
their false humility: See the note on verse 2:18a.
2:23d
their harsh treatment of the body: These rules also told people to treat their bodies harshly. This included fasting or only eating poor food, forcing themselves to stay awake for a long time, sitting outside in the cold for a long time, or beating themselves. People did things like these because they thought that by doing them they could please God.
2:23e
but they are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh: This means: “But these rules are useless. They cannot help people to control their evil desires.” This part of the verse contrasts with 2:23a. Paul was saying, “these rules seem to be wise but they are actually useless.”
General Comment for 2:23
In some languages you can clarify the contrast in this verse by rearranging it. One way to do this would be:
These rules tell you to willingly submit to strict religious rites, humble yourselves, and make your bodies suffer in order to please God. This may seem like a wise way to behave, but actually these rules do not help people to control their evil desires.
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