Primary Scripture
Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Plain explanation
Touch not and taste not refers to man-made rules in context, not YAHUAH's clean food boundaries.
Common assumption
Touch not, taste not means food boundaries are man-made.
Scripture-defined meaning
Colossians 2:21 cites 'touch not, taste not, handle not' as part of the man-made rule system being opposed. It does not label YAHUAH's clean/unclean boundaries as human invention.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Colossians 2:20,22-23
The quoted prohibitions belong to a self-imposed religious system with an appearance of wisdom. - Lexical usage: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Paul describes a parallel ascetic system that forbids marriage and foods YAHUAH's Word permits. - Prophetic purpose: Isaiah 29:13
The prophet condemns worship governed by human commandments. - Apostolic confirmation: Titus 1:14-16
Paul again contrasts commandments of men with inward corruption and works that deny YAHUAH.
Takeaway
Colossians 2 warns against man-made religion and worldly elements; it does not condemn YAHUAH's appointed ways.
Context reflection
Where has a warning against traditions of men been aimed at commandments of YAHUAH?