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Connecting Statement:
Paul urges the believers to be careful not to turn to the words and rules of others because nothing can add to the fullness of God that believers have in Christ.
See that
"Make sure that"
captures you
Paul speaks of the way a person can believe false teachings (because they believe false things or love the wrong things) as if someone had physically caught and held that person by force. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
philosophy
religious doctrines and beliefs that are not from God's word but are based on man's thoughts about God and life
empty deceit
Paul speaks of false ideas that produce nothing and so are without value as though they are containers with nothing in them. (See: rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor)
the tradition of men ... the elemental spirits of the world
The "tradition of men" may refer to Jewish traditions, while "the elemental spirits of the world" refers to pagan (Gentile) belief systems. Both of these are worthless.
the elemental spirits of the world
Possible meanings are 1) spiritual powers that some people thought control what happens on earth, or 2) the laws or moral principles of the world.