Colossians 3:21
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Original Language Analysis
Οἱ
G3588
Οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
Fathers
G3962
πατέρες
Fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
2 of 10
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 6:4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.Psalms 103:13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.Proverbs 3:12For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.1 Thessalonians 2:11As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
Historical Context
Ancient paternal authority was often harsh and arbitrary. Unwanted infants were exposed (left to die); children received brutal discipline; favoritism was common. Paul's warning against provoking children to discouragement introduced compassionate parenting rare in ancient world. Christian fathers were to reflect heavenly Father's character—firm but loving, correcting but encouraging, just but merciful. This humanized childhood while maintaining necessary parental authority and discipline.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discipline children in ways that correct behavior without crushing spirit or producing bitterness?
- What provokes children to discouragement—unrealistic expectations, inconsistent discipline, harsh criticism, comparative judgment?
- How can you balance biblical correction and discipline with encouragement and affirmation that build up?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Paul balances children's obedience with fathers' restraint. "Provoke not" (mē erethizete, μὴ ἐρεθίζετε) means don't irritate, embitter, or exasperate. Present imperative with negative: stop provoking. Fathers with absolute authority must exercise it wisely, not abusing power through harshness, inconsistency, favoritism, or unreasonable demands that crush spirits.
"Lest they be discouraged" (hina mē athymōsin, ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν) indicates negative result: children lose heart, become despondent, lose motivation. Harsh, unreasonable parenting produces discouraged, resentful children. Fathers must balance discipline with encouragement, authority with love, correction with affirmation. Ephesians 6:4 adds positive: "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord"—parenting aims at spiritual formation, not merely behavioral compliance.