Ephesians 6:4

Authorized King James Version

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρες

G3962

ye fathers

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

παροργίζετε

G3949

provoke

to anger alongside, i.e., enrage

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τέκνα

G5043

children

a child (as produced)

ὑμῶν

G5216

your

of (from or concerning) you

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#10

ἐκτρέφετε

G1625

bring

to rear up to maturity, i.e., (genitive case) to cherish or train

#11

αὐτὰ

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#13

παιδείᾳ

G3809

the nurture

tutorage, i.e., education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction

#14

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

νουθεσίᾳ

G3559

admonition

calling attention to, i.e., (by implication) mild rebuke or warning

#16

κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ephesians. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ephesians chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

Related Resources

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Topics

Salvation