Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
Τὰ
G3588
Τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑπακούετε
obey
G5219
ὑπακούετε
obey
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
3 of 13
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
in
G2596
κατὰ
in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 13
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
Exodus 20:12Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.Proverbs 30:17The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.Proverbs 6:20My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Deuteronomy 27:16Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.Proverbs 30:11There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.Matthew 19:19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Leviticus 19:3Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.Hebrews 13:21Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.Colossians 1:10That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;Proverbs 20:20Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.
Historical Context
Ancient Roman patria potestas (paternal power) gave fathers absolute authority over children, including power of life and death. Children were property until father died. Paul maintains parental authority but qualifies it: children obey as to the Lord; fathers mustn't provoke (v. 21). Christianity humanized parent-child relationships while maintaining ordered family structure, protecting children from arbitrary abuse while teaching proper respect for authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you teach children to obey cheerfully as worship to God versus grudging compliance?
- What are limits to children's obedience—where do parental commands conflict with God's commands?
- How does recognizing that obedience is 'well pleasing to the Lord' affect parenting and child-rearing philosophy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Paul addresses children directly (revolutionary in ancient culture that barely acknowledged children's personhood). "Obey your parents" (ta tekna, hypakouete tois goneusin, τὰ τέκνα, ὑπακούετε τοῖς γονεῦσιν) commands submission to both parents' authority. "In all things" (kata panta, κατὰ πάντα) is comprehensive but has limits: obedience stands "in the Lord" (implied from v. 18, 22), not requiring sin against God.
"For this is well pleasing unto the Lord" (touto gar euareston estin en Kyriō, τοῦτο γὰρ εὐάρεστόν ἐστιν ἐν Κυρίῳ) provides motivation: children's obedience pleases God. This transcends mere duty; obedience becomes worship when offered to honor God. Ephesians 6:1 adds "for this is right," appealing to natural law and Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12). Parental authority derives from and represents God's authority.