Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
1 Peter 3:7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.Colossians 3:21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.Ephesians 5:25Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;Ephesians 4:31Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:Ephesians 5:33Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.Ecclesiastes 9:9Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.Genesis 24:67And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.
Historical Context
Greco-Roman husbands had nearly absolute authority, including life-and-death power over wives and children. Domestic violence was common; wives were often viewed as property for producing heirs and managing household. Paul's command to love sacrificially and avoid bitterness was countercultural, elevating wives to partners deserving tender respect. Early Christianity's treatment of women attracted many female converts and sometimes male opposition threatened by loss of traditional dominance.
Questions for Reflection
- How specifically do you love your wife (or future wife) sacrificially, prioritizing her good over your comfort?
- What produces bitterness in marriage, and how do you combat it with intentional love and grace?
- How does Christ's love for the church model and motivate your love for your spouse?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Paul balances wives' submission with husbands' responsibility. "Love your wives" (hoi andres, agapate tas gynaikas, οἱ ἄνδρες, ἀγαπᾶτε τὰς γυναῖκας) commands ongoing agapē love—self-giving commitment, not merely emotional affection. Present imperative indicates continuous action: keep loving. Ephesians 5:25 intensifies: "as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it"—sacrificial love unto death.
"Be not bitter against them" (mē pikrainesthe pros autas, μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς αὐτάς) prohibits harshness, resentment, or sharp treatment. Present imperative with negative: stop being harsh. Ancient patriarchy often featured domineering cruelty; Paul counters with tender sacrificial love. Husbands bear greater responsibility—wives submit voluntarily, husbands must love sacrificially, creating mutual service relationship, not master-slave hierarchy.