Colossians 3:20

Authorized King James Version

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Τὰ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
τέκνα
Children
a child (as produced)
#3
ὑπακούετε
obey
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
#4
τοῖς
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
γονεῦσιν
your parents
a parent
#6
κατὰ
in
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#7
πάντα
all things
all, any, every, the whole
#8
τοῦτο
this
that thing
#9
γὰρ
for
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#10
ἐστιν
is
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
#11
εὐάρεστόν
well pleasing
fully agreeable
#12
τῷ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
κυρίῳ
unto the Lord
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection