King James Version

What Does Colossians 3:21 Mean?

Colossians 3:21 in the King James Version says “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.” — study this verse from Colossians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Colossians 3:21 · KJV

Context

19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21

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

22

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily , as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Read Colossians 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Paul balances children's obedience with fathers' restraint. "Provoke not" (mē erethizete, μὴ ἐρεθίζετε) means don't irritate, embitter, or exasperate. Present imperative with negative: stop provoking. Fathers with absolute authority must exercise it wisely, not abusing power through harshness, inconsistency, favoritism, or unreasonable demands that crush spirits.

"Lest they be discouraged" (hina mē athymōsin, ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν) indicates negative result: children lose heart, become despondent, lose motivation. Harsh, unreasonable parenting produces discouraged, resentful children. Fathers must balance discipline with encouragement, authority with love, correction with affirmation. Ephesians 6:4 adds positive: "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord"—parenting aims at spiritual formation, not merely behavioral compliance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient paternal authority was often harsh and arbitrary. Unwanted infants were exposed (left to die); children received brutal discipline; favoritism was common. Paul's warning against provoking children to discouragement introduced compassionate parenting rare in ancient world. Christian fathers were to reflect heavenly Father's character—firm but loving, correcting but encouraging, just but merciful. This humanized childhood while maintaining necessary parental authority and discipline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discipline children in ways that correct behavior without crushing spirit or producing bitterness?
  2. What provokes children to discouragement—unrealistic expectations, inconsistent discipline, harsh criticism, comparative judgment?
  3. How can you balance biblical correction and discipline with encouragement and affirmation that build up?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Οἱ1 of 10
G3588

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

πατέρες2 of 10

“Fathers”

G3962

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

μὴ3 of 10

“not”

G3361

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

ἐρεθίζετε4 of 10

“provoke”

G2042

to stimulate (especially to anger)

τὰ5 of 10
G3588

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

τέκνα6 of 10

“children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

ὑμῶν7 of 10

“your”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἵνα8 of 10
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ9 of 10

“not”

G3361

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

ἀθυμῶσιν10 of 10

“they be discouraged”

G120

to be spiritless, i.e., disheartened

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Colossians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Colossians 3:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Colossians 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 4:1-4Ephesians 6:4Psalms 103:13Proverbs 3:121 Thessalonians 2:11Hebrews 12:5-11

Test Your Knowledge

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