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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/49_Eph_06_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ephesians 6:4 - Children and Parents" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ephesians/6-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ephesians/6-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ephesians/">Ephesians</a> > <a href="/ephesians/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ephesians/6-3.htm" title="Ephesians 6:3">◄</a> Ephesians 6:4 <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm" title="Ephesians 6:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ephesians/6.htm">New International Version</a> Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/nlt/ephesians/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. <a href="/esv/ephesians/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/kjv/ephesians/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/nkjv/ephesians/6.htm">New King James Version</a> And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/nasb_/ephesians/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/nasb/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/ephesians/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/lsb/ephesians/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/amp/ephesians/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/csb/ephesians/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/ephesians/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Fathers, don&#8217t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/asv/ephesians/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/cev/ephesians/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Parents, don't be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord. <a href="/erv/ephesians/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/gwt/ephesians/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Fathers, don't make your children bitter about life. Instead, bring them up in Christian discipline and instruction. <a href="/gnt/ephesians/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction. <a href="/isv/ephesians/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up by training and instructing them about the Lord. <a href="/msb/ephesians/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/net/ephesians/6.htm">NET Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but raise them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/nheb/ephesians/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/wbt/ephesians/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And you, fathers, do not irritate your children, but bring them up tenderly with true Christian training and advice. <a href="/web/ephesians/6.htm">World English Bible</a> You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ephesians/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the fathers: do not provoke your children, but nourish them in the instruction and admonition of the LORD. <a href="/blb/ephesians/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And fathers, do not provoke your children, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/ylt/ephesians/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the fathers! provoke not your children, but nourish them in the instruction and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/slt/ephesians/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And, fathers, be not angry with your children: but bring them up in the instruction and reminding of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ephesians/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And you, fathers, provoke not your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and correction of the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/ephesians/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but educate them with the discipline and correction of the Lord. <a href="/nabre/ephesians/6.htm">New American Bible</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the training and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/ephesians/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ephesians/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And parents, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and teaching of our LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/ephesians/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Parents, do not anger your children, but rear them in the discipline and in the teaching of Our Lord.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/ephesians/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And you fathers, do not provoke your children to anger: but bring them up in the instruction and discipline of the Lord.<CM> <a href="/godbey/ephesians/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. <a href="/haweis/ephesians/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And, ye fathers, exasperate not your children: but educate them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.<CM> <a href="/mace/ephesians/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and you fathers don't exasperate your children: but instruct them in the discipline and institution of the Lord. <a href="/wey/ephesians/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And you, fathers, do not irritate your children, but bring them up tenderly with true Christian training and advice. <a href="/worrell/ephesians/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/worsley/ephesians/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And ye fathers, do not exasperate your children: but educate them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. <a href="/parallel/ephesians/6-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AfeSHen3sAQ?start=1091" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ephesians/6.htm">Children and Parents</a> …3“that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” 4<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-VMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: pateres (N-VMP) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Fathers,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/3949.htm" title="3949: parorgizete (V-PMA-2P) -- To provoke to anger, exasperate. From para and orgizo; to anger alongside, i.e. Enrage.">provoke</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children to wrath;</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">instead,</a> <a href="/greek/1625.htm" title="1625: ektrephete (V-PMA-2P) -- To nourish, nurture, bring up. From ek and trepho; to rear up to maturity, i.e. to cherish or train.">bring them up</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auta (PPro-AN3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3809.htm" title="3809: paideia (N-DFS) -- From paideuo; tutorage, i.e. Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction.">the discipline</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3559.htm" title="3559: nouthesia (N-DFS) -- A warning, admonition, counsel. From nous and a derivative of tithemi; calling attention to, i.e. mild rebuke or warning.">instruction</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">of the Lord.</a> 5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a> Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a> Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a> These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. <a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a> He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently. <a href="/hebrews/12-7.htm">Hebrews 12:7-11</a> Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? / If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. / Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? ... <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-6</a> We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed. / For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, / that the coming generation would know them—even children yet to be born—to arise and tell their own children <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a> For I have chosen him, so that he will command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has promised.” <a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a> From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. <a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a> A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. <a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">1 Samuel 3:13</a> I told him that I would judge his house forever for the iniquity of which he knows, because his sons blasphemed God and he did not restrain them. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</a> Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. / The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” <a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a> Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death. <a href="/2_timothy/1-5.htm">2 Timothy 1:5</a> I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well. <a href="/proverbs/23-13.htm">Proverbs 23:13-14</a> Do not withhold discipline from a child; although you strike him with a rod, he will not die. / Strike him with a rod, and you will deliver his soul from Sheol. <a href="/deuteronomy/11-18.htm">Deuteronomy 11:18-19</a> Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. / Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.ye.<a href="/genesis/31-14.htm">Genesis 31:14,15</a> And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? … <a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30-34</a> Then Saul's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said unto him, Thou son of the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother's nakedness? … <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a> Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.but.<a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a> For 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.<a href="/exodus/12-26.htm">Exodus 12:26,27</a> And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? … <a href="/exodus/13-14.htm">Exodus 13:14,15</a> And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage: … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">Admonition</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-30.htm">Chastening</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Exasperate</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-33.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Irritate</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-22.htm">Provoke</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Tenderly</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-12.htm">Training</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-13.htm">True.</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/titus/3-10.htm">Admonition</a> <a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Advice</a> <a href="/colossians/3-6.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Chastening</a> <a href="/philippians/2-15.htm">Children</a> <a href="/philippians/1-8.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/colossians/2-5.htm">Discipline</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Exasperate</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-2.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-1.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">Irritate</a> <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Provoke</a> <a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Tenderly</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-4.htm">Training</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-24.htm">True.</a> <a href="/colossians/3-6.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Ephesians 6</div>1. <a href="/ephesians/6-1.htm">The duty of children toward their parents;</a> 5. <a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">of servants toward their masters.</a> 10. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Our life is a warfare, not only against flesh and blood, but also spiritual enemies.</a> 13. <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">The complete armor of a Christian;</a> 18. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">and how it ought to be used.</a> 21. <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Tychicus is commended.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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This phrase emphasizes the responsibility of fathers in the family unit, reflecting the patriarchal structure of ancient Roman and Jewish societies. The term "provoke" suggests actions that might lead to anger or resentment, highlighting the importance of nurturing rather than authoritarian parenting. In <a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21</a>, a similar admonition is given, underscoring the consistency of this teaching in the New Testament. The cultural context of the time often saw fathers as disciplinarians, but this instruction calls for a balance that avoids harshness and fosters a loving environment.instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. The phrase "bring them up" implies a nurturing process, akin to the care a gardener provides to plants, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. "Discipline" here refers to training and correction that aligns with God's principles, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a>, which advises training a child in the way they should go. "Instruction of the Lord" points to teaching children about God's ways, commandments, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. This reflects the Shema in <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a>, where parents are instructed to teach God's commandments diligently to their children. The focus is on a holistic upbringing that integrates faith into daily life, preparing children to live according to Christian values.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Ephesians, providing guidance to the early Christian church. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A major city in Asia Minor where the Ephesian church was located, known for its diverse culture and religious practices. 3. <a href="/topical/f/fathers.htm">Fathers</a> Specifically addressed in this verse, representing parental authority and responsibility in a Christian household. 4. <a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a> The recipients of parental guidance and discipline, central to the family structure. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord</a> Refers to Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example are the foundation for Christian living and instruction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/p/parental_responsibility.htm">Parental Responsibility</a> Fathers are called to lead their children with love and patience, avoiding actions that lead to anger or resentment. <a href="/topical/b/balanced_discipline.htm">Balanced Discipline</a> Discipline should be administered in a way that reflects God's love and justice, aiming to guide rather than punish. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_instruction.htm">Spiritual Instruction</a> Parents are tasked with teaching their children about the Lord, integrating biblical principles into daily life. <a href="/topical/r/role_modeling.htm">Role Modeling</a> Parents should exemplify Christian virtues, serving as role models for their children in faith and conduct. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_and_support.htm">Encouragement and Support</a> Building a nurturing environment where children feel valued and supported in their spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ephesians_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ephesians 6</a> <a href="/q/advice_for_single_christian_dads.htm">What advice helps single Christian fathers succeed?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_fathers_nurture_their_kids.htm">How should fathers nurture and guide their children?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'don't_provoke_kids'_mean.htm">What does "Do not provoke your children" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_to_parents_of_gay_kids.htm">What does the Bible say to Christian parents of gay children?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/ephesians/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) Provoke not your children to wrath.--The word is the same as in <a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm" title="Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath:">Ephesians 4:26</a>. It denotes the exasperation produced by arbitrary and unsympathetic rule.Nurture and admonition of the Lord.--In this phrase we have the two elements of education. "Nurture" is a word signifying generally "the treatment due to a child," but by usage appropriated to practical training, or teaching by discipline; while "admonition" is the "putting children in mind" by word of instruction. It may be noted that in accordance with the characteristic sternness of ancient education, both words have a tinge of severity in them. The "nurture" of this passage is the same as the "chastening" of the famous passage in <a href="/context/hebrews/12-4.htm" title="You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin.">Hebrews 12:4-11</a>. (Compare the cognate verb in <a href="/luke/23-16.htm" title="I will therefore chastise him, and release him.">Luke 23:16</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/11-32.htm" title="But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.">1Corinthians 11:32</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/6-9.htm" title="As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;">2Corinthians 6:9</a>; <a href="/1_timothy/1-20.htm" title="Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.">1Timothy 1:20</a>; <a href="/revelation/3-19.htm" title="As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.">Revelation 3:19</a>.) The "admonition" is used in <a href="/titus/3-10.htm" title="A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;">Titus 3:10</a> for rebuke, and, inasmuch as it implies warning, is distinguished from teaching in <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm" title=" Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.">Colossians 3:16</a>. In this, as in other cases, Christianity gradually softened this stern authority of the father--so strikingly exemplified in the old Roman law--by the idea suggested in the addition of the phrase "of the Lord." The children belong not to the parent only, but to Christ, taken into His arms in baptism, and sealed as His little ones. Hence the "reverence," which Juvenal enforced in theory as due to children's natural purity, become realised in Christian practice, and gradually transformed all Christian education to greater gentleness, forbearance, and love. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ephesians/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath. "Fathers" is inclusive of mothers, to whom the practical administration of the household and training of the children so much belong. The first counsel on the subject is negative, and probably has respect to a common pagan habit, against which Christians needed to be put on their guard. Irritation of children was common, through loss of temper and violence in reproving them, through capricious and unsteady treatment and unreasonable commands; but more especially (what is still so common) by the parents being violently angry when the children, inconsiderately, perhaps, disturbed or annoyed them, rather than when they deliberately did wrong. All this the apostle deprecates. But bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. The words παιδεία and νουθεσία are not easily defined in this connection; the former is thought to denote the discipline of training, with its appropriate rewards and punishments; the latter, instruction. Both are to be "of the Lord," such as he inspires and approves. Instilling sound principles of life, training to good habits, cautioning and protecting against moral dangers, encouraging prayer, Bible-reading, church-going, sabbath-keeping; taking pains to let them have good associates, and especially dealing with them prayerfully and earnestly, in order that they may accept Christ as their Savior and follow him, - are among the matters included in this counsel. <a href="/commentaries/ephesians/6-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Fathers, πατέρες (pateres) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. provoke παροργίζετε (parorgizete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3949.htm">Strong's 3949: </a> To provoke to anger, exasperate. From para and orgizo; to anger alongside, i.e. Enrage. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. children {to anger}; τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. instead, ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. bring them up ἐκτρέφετε (ektrephete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1625.htm">Strong's 1625: </a> To nourish, nurture, bring up. From ek and trepho; to rear up to maturity, i.e. to cherish or train. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] discipline παιδείᾳ (paideia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3809.htm">Strong's 3809: </a> From paideuo; tutorage, i.e. Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. instruction νουθεσίᾳ (nouthesia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> A warning, admonition, counsel. From nous and a derivative of tithemi; calling attention to, i.e. mild rebuke or warning. of [the] Lord. Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">NT Letters: Ephesians 6:4 You fathers don't provoke your children (Ephes. Eph. 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