Colossians 3:6
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Original Language Analysis
δι'
For
G1223
δι'
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἃ
which things' sake
G3739
ἃ
which things' sake
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
2 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἔρχεται
cometh
G2064
ἔρχεται
cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
3 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργὴ
the wrath
G3709
ὀργὴ
the wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὺς
the children
G5207
υἱοὺς
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
10 of 12
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;1 Peter 1:14As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
Historical Context
Roman culture mocked divine judgment as primitive superstition. Epicurean philosophy taught that gods, if existing, had no interest in human affairs. Stoicism viewed fate as impersonal necessity. Against such backdrop, Paul's insistence on personal divine judgment—holy God responding actively to human sin—was countercultural. Yet this doctrine provided moral framework and ultimate justice, holding powerful accountable and promising vindication for the oppressed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does belief in God's wrath against sin affect your view of sin's seriousness?
- Do you presume upon grace, treating sin casually because you're forgiven, or does gratitude motivate holiness?
- How would you explain God's wrath to someone who views God as cosmic grandfather tolerating everything?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience. Paul provides motivation: divine judgment. "The wrath of God" (hē orgē tou theou, ἡ ὀργὴ τοῦ θεοῦ) isn't emotional outburst but settled opposition to sin, God's holy response to moral evil. "Cometh" (erchetai, ἔρχεται) uses present tense, possibly indicating certainty (prophetic present) or ongoing reality (wrath already operative through sin's consequences).
"Children of disobedience" (tous huious tēs apeitheias, τοὺς υἱοὺς τῆς ἀπειθείας) describes those characterized by persistent rebellion against God. Semitic idiom "children/sons of" indicates essential character. These aren't occasional sinners but individuals defined by disobedience, refusing God's authority. God's wrath justly falls on such rebellion. Believers escaped this wrath through Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10) but shouldn't presume upon grace by continuing in sin.