Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατέρες
ye fathers
G3962
πατέρες
ye fathers
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
3 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 16
(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 #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐκτρέφετε
bring
G1625
ἐκτρέφετε
bring
Strong's:
G1625
Word #:
10 of 16
to rear up to maturity, i.e., (genitive case) to cherish or train
αὐτὰ
them
G846
αὐτὰ
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 16
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
παιδείᾳ
the nurture
G3809
παιδείᾳ
the nurture
Strong's:
G3809
Word #:
13 of 16
tutorage, i.e., education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Colossians 3:21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.Proverbs 22:6Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.Proverbs 29:15The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.Proverbs 19:18Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.Deuteronomy 6:7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Proverbs 29:17Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.2 Timothy 3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.Genesis 18:19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;2 Timothy 1:5When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Historical Context
Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (60-62 CE), this verse in chapter 6 reflects the circular letter's purpose to multiple Asian churches. Ephesus was a major center of pagan worship (Artemis cult) and early Christianity, making Paul's teachings on spiritual warfare and Christian unity particularly relevant.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the truth of Ephesians 6:4 about verse-specific transform your daily walk with Christ?
- What does this verse teach about theological theme that challenges modern Christian practice?
- How can you apply the theological principle of doctrinal emphasis in your relationships and witness?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
[Verse 6:4 text would be quoted here] This verse in Ephesians chapter 6 addresses theological theme. Key Greek terms include to be determined.
The theological focus is doctrinal emphasis, demonstrating Paul's emphasis on the cosmic Christ and the church as His body/bride/temple. The phrase emphasizes union with Christ as the foundation of all spiritual blessings.