There are numerous suggestions regarding the meaning of this phrase. It could refer to physical elements such as earth, air, fire and water; angelic powers and forces; fundamental principles of philosophy and life or the present world order, creation under the curse of sin.1 In context, it most likely refers to the rules and regulations by means of which both Jews and Gentiles attempted to achieve salvation that is to ensure their future life with God in glory.2
3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.