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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/colossians/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/colossians/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/colossians/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they might become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/colossians/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children <i>to anger</i>, lest they be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/colossians/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/colossians/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/colossians/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/colossians/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/colossians/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke <i>or</i> irritate <i>or</i> exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart <i>and</i> become discouraged <i>or</i> unmotivated [with their spirits broken].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/colossians/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won&#8217t become discouraged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/colossians/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/colossians/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/colossians/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/colossians/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Fathers, don't make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/colossians/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/colossians/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not make your children resentful. Otherwise, they'll become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/colossians/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/colossians/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/colossians/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/colossians/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/colossians/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/colossians/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />the fathers: do not distress your children, lest they be discouraged;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/colossians/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they might become discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/colossians/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> the fathers! vex not your children, lest they be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/colossians/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Fathers, irritate not your children, lest they be discouraged.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/colossians/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/colossians/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to indignation, lest they lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/colossians/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/colossians/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/colossians/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Parents, do not provoke your children, that they may not be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/colossians/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />Parents, do not anger your children, lest they lose heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/colossians/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be disheartened.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/colossians/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, in order that they may not be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/colossians/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Parents, irritate not your children, lest their spirit be broken.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/colossians/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />fathers, don't treat your children with severity, lest they be discourag'd.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/colossians/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/colossians/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Fathers, provoke not your children, lest they be disheartened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/colossians/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>and ye</i> fathers, do not irritate your children, least they be discouraged.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/colossians/3-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q-K-qsfihQ?start=678" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/colossians/3.htm">Christian Households</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><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/2042.htm" title="2042: erethizete (V-PMA-2P) -- To stir up, arouse to anger, provoke, irritate, incite. From a presumed prolonged form of eris; to stimulate.">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,</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.">so</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."></a> <a href="/greek/120.htm" title="120: athymōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- To lose heart, be despondent, be disheartened. From a compound of a and thumos; to be spiritless, i.e. Disheartened.">they will not become discouraged.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">22</span>Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></span><br />Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-6.htm">Proverbs 22:6</a></span><br />Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-24.htm">Proverbs 13:24</a></span><br />He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9-11</a></span><br />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? / Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness. / No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-18.htm">Proverbs 19:18</a></span><br />Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-15.htm">Proverbs 29:15</a></span><br />A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Proverbs 29:17</a></span><br />Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a></span><br />For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— / encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-4.htm">1 Timothy 3:4-5</a></span><br />An overseer must manage his own household well and keep his children under control, with complete dignity. / For if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for the church of God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/4-9.htm">Deuteronomy 4:9-10</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Psalm 78:4-6</a></span><br />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<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-13.htm">1 Samuel 3:13</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-15.htm">2 Timothy 3:15</a></span><br />From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2"> Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a></b></br> Like as a father pitieth <i>his</i> children, <i>so</i> the LORD pitieth them that fear him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-12.htm">Proverbs 3:12</a></b></br> For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son <i>in whom</i> he delighteth.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Proverbs 4:1-4</a></b></br> Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding… </p><p class="hdg">See on</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a></b></br> And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:11</a></b></br> As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father <i>doth</i> his children,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/12-5.htm">Hebrews 12:5-11</a></b></br> And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Children</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-13.htm">Discouraged</a> <a href="/daniel/11-30.htm">Disheartened</a> <a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">Embitter</a> <a href="/colossians/2-22.htm">End</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Exasperate</a> <a href="/colossians/3-20.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Harass</a> <a href="/philippians/1-23.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/40-6.htm">Morose</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Provoke</a> <a href="/colossians/2-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-5.htm">Sullen</a> <a href="/acts/12-1.htm">Vex</a> <a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/1-10.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Discouraged</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/20-8.htm">Disheartened</a> <a href="/genesis/49-23.htm">Embitter</a> <a href="/colossians/4-4.htm">End</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Exasperate</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-9.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-55.htm">Fret</a> <a href="/numbers/25-18.htm">Harass</a> <a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/colossians/3-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/genesis/40-6.htm">Morose</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-16.htm">Provoke</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-5.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-43.htm">Sullen</a> <a href="/exodus/22-21.htm">Vex</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-12.htm">Won't</a><div class="vheading2">Colossians 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-1.htm">He shows where we should seek Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-5.htm">He exhorts to holiness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">to put off the old self, and put on Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">exhorting to charity, humility, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/colossians/3-18.htm">and other duties.</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/colossians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/colossians/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Fathers</b><br>In the biblical context, "fathers" refers to the male head of the household, who held significant authority and responsibility in the family structure. In the Greco-Roman world, the father was seen as the primary disciplinarian and provider. The role of the father in the family is also emphasized in other scriptures, such as <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a>, where fathers are instructed to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord. This highlights the spiritual leadership expected of fathers.<p><b>Do not provoke your children</b><br>The instruction not to provoke children suggests a call for fathers to exercise their authority with love and patience. Provoking can lead to resentment and rebellion, which is contrary to the nurturing environment God desires for families. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of love and gentleness, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, which lists the fruits of the Spirit, including gentleness and self-control. The cultural context of the time often saw harsh discipline, but this command calls for a more compassionate approach.<p><b>So they will not become discouraged</b><br>Discouragement in children can lead to a lack of motivation and a feeling of hopelessness. The biblical principle here is to foster an environment where children feel valued and supported, which is essential for their spiritual and emotional development. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of nurturing faith and hope, as seen in <a href="/matthew/18-6.htm">Matthew 18:6</a>, where He warns against causing little ones to stumble. The encouragement of children is a reflection of God's love and care for His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/f/fathers.htm">Fathers</a></b><br>In the context of this verse, "fathers" refers to the male parent or guardian responsible for the upbringing and discipline of children. The term can also be understood to include both parents in a broader sense, emphasizing the role of parental authority and influence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/c/children.htm">Children</a></b><br>The recipients of the father's actions and attitudes. The verse highlights the impact of parental behavior on the emotional and spiritual well-being of children.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a></b><br>The city where the recipients of the letter, the Colossians, resided. It was a small city in Phrygia, part of the Roman province of Asia (modern-day Turkey).<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Colossians, who wrote to address various issues within the church, including family relationships.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/d/discouragement.htm">Discouragement</a></b><br>The emotional state that children may experience as a result of being provoked by their parents. The Greek word used here, (athumeo), implies losing heart or becoming disheartened.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fathers.htm">The Role of Fathers</a></b><br>Fathers are called to be leaders in the home, setting a godly example for their children. This leadership should be characterized by love, patience, and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_provocation.htm">Avoiding Provocation</a></b><br>Provoking children can lead to resentment and discouragement. Parents should strive to communicate with their children in ways that build them up rather than tear them down.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_and_nurture.htm">Encouragement and Nurture</a></b><br>Encouragement is crucial in a child's development. Parents should focus on nurturing their children's strengths and guiding them with wisdom and grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_discipline_and_love.htm">Balancing Discipline and Love</a></b><br>Discipline is necessary, but it should always be administered in love. Parents should aim to correct behavior while maintaining a loving relationship with their children.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>Parents are to reflect God's character in their parenting, showing grace, mercy, and steadfast love, just as God does with His children.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_colossians_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_were_the_teachings_of_jesus.htm">What does 'Do not provoke your children' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_the_christian_church.htm">What does the Bible say about controlling parents?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'don't_provoke_kids'_mean.htm">What does "Do not provoke your children" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_stepparenting.htm">What guidance does the Bible offer on stepparenting?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/colossians/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">Provoke not . . . to anger.</span>--This, in the text followed by our version, is borrowed from <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm" title="And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.">Ephesians 6:4</a>. The true reading is <span class= "ital">provoke to emulation, </span>as in <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm" title="For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many.">2Corinthians 9:2</a>. What is forbidden is a constant and restless stimulation, "spurring the willing horse;" which will end in failure and despondency.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/colossians/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Ye fathers, do not irritate your children, lest they be disheartened</span> (<a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a>). <span class="greek">Αρεθίζω</span> ("irritate" or "provoke") St. Paul uses once besides (<a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">2 Corinthians 9:2</a>), in a good sense. It implies a use of parental authority which, by continual exactions and complaints, teaches the child to look on the father as his enemy rather than his friend. The synonymous <span class="greek">παροργίζω</span> of <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a>, found here in many copies, is, more definitely "to rouse to anger." <span class="greek">Αθυμέω</span> (only here in the New Testament) means "to lose heart," to have the confidence and high spirit of youth broken; "fractus animus pestis juventutis" (Bengel). In place of this treatment, "the discipline and admonition of the Lord" are recommended in <a href="/ephesians/6-4.htm">Ephesians 6:4</a>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/colossians/3-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Fathers,</span><br /><span class="grk">πατέρες</span> <span class="translit">(pateres)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{do} not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">provoke</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐρεθίζετε</span> <span class="translit">(erethizete)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2042.htm">Strong's 2042: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stir up, arouse to anger, provoke, irritate, incite. From a presumed prolonged form of eris; to stimulate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hymōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">children,</span><br /><span class="grk">τέκνα</span> <span class="translit">(tekna)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> </span><span class="str2">A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so</span><br /><span class="grk">ἵνα</span> <span class="translit">(hina)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2443.htm">Strong's 2443: </a> </span><span class="str2">In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will not become discouraged.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀθυμῶσιν</span> <span class="translit">(athymōsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lose heart, be despondent, be disheartened. From a compound of a and thumos; to be spiritless, i.e. Disheartened.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/colossians/3-21.htm">Colossians 3:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/colossians/3-21.htm">NT Letters: Colossians 3:21 Fathers don't provoke your children so that (Coloss. Col Co) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/colossians/3-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Colossians 3:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/colossians/3-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Colossians 3:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Colossians 3:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>