Colossians 3:21
New International Version
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

New Living Translation
Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

English Standard Version
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Berean Standard Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

Berean Literal Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they might become discouraged.

King James Bible
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

New King James Version
Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

New American Standard Bible
Fathers, do not antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged.

NASB 1995
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

NASB 1977
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.

Legacy Standard Bible
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Amplified Bible
Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or 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 and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

Christian Standard Bible
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won’t become discouraged.

American Standard Version
Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.

Contemporary English Version
Parents, don't be hard on your children. If you are, they might give up.

English Revised Version
Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Fathers, don't make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.

Good News Translation
Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged.

International Standard Version
Fathers, do not make your children resentful. Otherwise, they'll become discouraged.

Majority Standard Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

NET Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become disheartened.

New Heart English Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

Webster's Bible Translation
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Weymouth New Testament
Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.

World English Bible
Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the fathers: do not distress your children, lest they be discouraged;

Berean Literal Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children lest they might become discouraged.

Young's Literal Translation
the fathers! vex not your children, lest they be discouraged.

Smith's Literal Translation
Fathers, irritate not your children, lest they be discouraged.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Fathers, provoke not your children to indignation, lest they be discouraged.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Fathers, do not provoke your children to indignation, lest they lose heart.

New American Bible
Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.

New Revised Standard Version
Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they may lose heart.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Parents, do not provoke your children, that they may not be discouraged.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Parents, do not anger your children, lest they lose heart.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be disheartened.

Godbey New Testament
Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, in order that they may not be discouraged.

Haweis New Testament
Parents, irritate not your children, lest their spirit be broken.

Mace New Testament
fathers, don't treat your children with severity, lest they be discourag'd.

Weymouth New Testament
Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.

Worrell New Testament
Fathers, provoke not your children, lest they be disheartened.

Worsley New Testament
and ye fathers, do not irritate your children, least they be discouraged.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Christian Households
20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. 22Slaves, 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.…

Cross References
Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Proverbs 13:24
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.

Hebrews 12:9-11
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.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7
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.

Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be party to his death.

Proverbs 29:15
A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Proverbs 29:17
Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will bring delight to your soul.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
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.

1 Timothy 3:4-5
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?

Genesis 18:19
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.”

Deuteronomy 4:9-10
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.”

Psalm 78:4-6
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

1 Samuel 3:13
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.

2 Timothy 3:15
From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Psalm 103:13
Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

Proverbs 3:12
For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 4:1-4
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding…

See on

Ephesians 6:4
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 2:11
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

Hebrews 12:5-11
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: …

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Anger Broken Children Discouraged Disheartened Embitter End Exasperate Fathers Fret Harass Hard Heart Morose Provoke Spirit Sullen Vex Won't
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Anger Broken Children Discouraged Disheartened Embitter End Exasperate Fathers Fret Harass Hard Heart Morose Provoke Spirit Sullen Vex Won't
Colossians 3
1. He shows where we should seek Christ.
5. He exhorts to holiness;
10. to put off the old self, and put on Christ;
12. exhorting to charity, humility,
18. and other duties.














Fathers
The term "Fathers" in this context is derived from the Greek word "πατέρες" (pateres), which can refer to both parents but is often specifically directed towards fathers. In the patriarchal society of the ancient Near East, fathers held significant authority and responsibility within the family unit. This word emphasizes the role of the father as a leader and guide, tasked with nurturing and instructing their children in the ways of the Lord. The biblical model of fatherhood is one of love, discipline, and encouragement, reflecting the character of God the Father.

do not provoke
The phrase "do not provoke" comes from the Greek "ἐρεθίζετε" (erethizete), meaning to irritate, exasperate, or stir up. This command warns against actions or attitudes that might lead to resentment or rebellion in children. In the historical context of the early church, where familial relationships were foundational to community stability, this instruction was crucial. Fathers are called to exercise their authority with gentleness and understanding, avoiding harshness or unreasonable demands that could lead to emotional harm.

your children
"Your children" refers to the offspring entrusted to the care of the parents. In the biblical worldview, children are seen as a blessing and heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3). The Greek word "τέκνα" (tekna) emphasizes the relational aspect, highlighting the bond and responsibility parents have towards their children. This relationship is meant to mirror the nurturing and instructive relationship God has with His people, where love and guidance are paramount.

so they will not become discouraged
The phrase "so they will not become discouraged" translates from the Greek "ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν" (hina mē athymōsin), which conveys the idea of losing heart or becoming disheartened. The historical context of this exhortation is significant, as it addresses the potential for children to become dispirited under harsh or unjust parental authority. The biblical principle here is one of encouragement and hope, ensuring that children are raised in an environment where they can thrive spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This aligns with the broader scriptural theme of building one another up in love and truth, fostering a family dynamic that reflects the grace and compassion of Christ.

(21) Provoke not . . . to anger.--This, in the text followed by our version, is borrowed from Ephesians 6:4. The true reading is provoke to emulation, as in 2Corinthians 9:2. What is forbidden is a constant and restless stimulation, "spurring the willing horse;" which will end in failure and despondency.

Verse 21. - Ye fathers, do not irritate your children, lest they be disheartened (Ephesians 6:4). Αρεθίζω ("irritate" or "provoke") St. Paul uses once besides (2 Corinthians 9:2), 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 παροργίζω of Ephesians 6:4, found here in many copies, is, more definitely "to rouse to anger." Αθυμέω (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 Ephesians 6:4.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Fathers,
πατέρες (pateres)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

{do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

provoke
ἐρεθίζετε (erethizete)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2042: To stir up, arouse to anger, provoke, irritate, incite. From a presumed prolonged form of eris; to stimulate.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

children,
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

so
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

they will not become discouraged.
ἀθυμῶσιν (athymōsin)
Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 120: To lose heart, be despondent, be disheartened. From a compound of a and thumos; to be spiritless, i.e. Disheartened.


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NT Letters: Colossians 3:21 Fathers don't provoke your children so that (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 3:20
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