New International Version Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. New Living Translation Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. English Standard Version Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Berean Standard Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Berean Literal Bible Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. King James Bible Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. New King James Version Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. New American Standard Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. NASB 1995 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. NASB 1977 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Legacy Standard Bible Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Amplified Bible Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings]. Berean Annotated Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord {Kyriō}. Christian Standard Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Holman Christian Standard Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. American Standard Version Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Contemporary English Version Children must always obey their parents. This pleases the Lord. English Revised Version Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. GOD'S WORD® Translation Children, always obey your parents. This is pleasing to the Lord. Good News Translation Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God. International Standard Version Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. NET Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord. New Heart English Bible Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Webster's Bible Translation Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Weymouth New Testament Children be obedient to your parents in everything; for that is right for Christians. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleChildren, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. World English Bible Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthe children: obey the parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the LORD; Berean Literal Bible Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Young's Literal Translation the children! obey the parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord; Smith's Literal Translation Children, listen to parents in all things: for this is pleasing to the Lord. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleChildren, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Catholic Public Domain Version Children, obey your parents in all things. For this is well-pleasing to the Lord. New American Bible Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. New Revised Standard Version Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is your acceptable duty in the Lord. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleChildren, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto our LORD. Aramaic Bible in Plain English Children, obey your parents in all things, for thus it is pleasing before Our Lord. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentChildren, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Godbey New Testament Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. Haweis New Testament Children, be obedient to your parents in all things; for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Mace New Testament children, obey your parents upon all occasions, for that is graceful in a christian. Weymouth New Testament Children be obedient to your parents in everything; for that is right for Christians. Worrell New Testament Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing in the Lord. Worsley New Testament Children, obey your parents in all things; for this is well-pleasing to the Lord: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Christian Households…19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.… Cross References Children, Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Deuteronomy 6:7 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. obey your parents Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Proverbs 6:20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. in everything, 2 Corinthians 2:9 My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. Titus 2:9 Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Ephesians 5:10 Test and prove what pleases the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:9 So we aspire to please Him, whether we are at home in this body or away from it. Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Proverbs 23:22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Matthew 15:4 For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ Mark 7:10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ Luke 18:20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother.’” Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. Proverbs 30:17 As for the eye that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother, may the ravens of the valley pluck it out and young vultures devour it. Treasury of Scripture Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. obey. Genesis 28:7 And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padanaram; Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Leviticus 19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God. in. Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. Titus 2:9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; well pleasing. Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Philippians 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Jump to Previous Children Christians Fathers Mothers Obedient Obey Orders Parents Pleases Pleasing Right Well-PleasingJump to Next Children Christians Fathers Mothers Obedient Obey Orders Parents Pleases Pleasing Right Well-PleasingColossians 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. Children, Children are entrusted by God to the care and instruction of their parents. Israel regarded sons and daughters as a heritage from the Lord, and the home was the first setting in which God’s covenant, His works, and His commands were taught (Psalm 127:3–5; Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Pro 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go,… obey your parents Obedience honors the authority God has established within the family and fulfills the command to honor father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Christian children serve the Lord as they receive godly instruction and submit to parental discipline. Paul joins this command with a warning to fathers not to embitter their children, showing that parental authority must be exercised with love, patience, and righteousness (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:1–4). Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. in everything, The normal pattern of a child’s life should be willing obedience in every lawful matter. No human authority may require disobedience to God, for believers must obey God rather than men when the two conflict (Acts 5:29). Within God’s order, parental guidance protects children and trains them in wisdom and self-control. 2Co 2:9 My purpose in writing you was to see if you would… for this is pleasing to the Lord. God receives a child’s faithful obedience as service offered to Him. Obedience in the home reveals reverence for the Lord and prepares believers to live under His authority in every part of life. Eph 5:10 Test and prove what pleases the Lord. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Colossians, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings. 2. The Church at Colossae A Christian community in the ancient city of Colossae, located in modern-day Turkey. Paul wrote to them to address various theological and practical issues. 3. Children The direct recipients of this instruction within the family unit, highlighting the importance of family relationships in Christian living. 4. Parents The authority figures in the family whom children are instructed to obey, reflecting the biblical structure of family order. 5. The Lord Referring to Jesus Christ, whose teachings and example are the foundation for Christian behavior and ethics. Teaching Points Obedience as a Reflection of FaithObedience to parents is not just a social expectation but a spiritual act that reflects one's faith and commitment to God's order. The Role of Parents in Spiritual Formation Parents are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding their children in the ways of the Lord, making obedience a pathway to spiritual growth. Pleasing the Lord through Family Dynamics The family is a primary context for living out Christian values, and obedience within the family pleases God and strengthens the community. The Importance of Contextual Obedience While obedience is crucial, it must be understood within the context of godly and loving parental guidance, aligning with biblical principles. The Broader Impact of Obedience Obedience to parents can lead to a harmonious family life, which serves as a testimony to others of God's design for relationships. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Colossians 3:20?2. How can children practically "obey your parents" in today's society? 3. Why is obedience to parents "pleasing to the Lord" in Colossians 3:20? 4. How does Ephesians 6:1-3 expand on Colossians 3:20's teaching? 5. What challenges might children face in obeying parents, and how can they overcome? 6. How can parents encourage obedience that aligns with Colossians 3:20? 7. How does Colossians 3:20 relate to the concept of obedience in Christian families today? 8. What historical context influenced Paul's writing of Colossians 3:20? 9. How does Colossians 3:20 align with the broader message of the New Testament? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Colossians 3? What Does Colossians 3:20 Mean ChildrenPaul directly addresses sons and daughters living under the roof and authority of their parents. Scripture consistently recognizes the younger generation as capable of hearing and responding to God’s voice—think of Samuel hearing the Lord in 1 Samuel 3:1–10 or the young Jesus submitting to Joseph and Mary in Luke 2:51. By singling out “children,” Colossians 3:20 confirms that faith is not reserved for adults; it calls the whole household into active discipleship. Obey “Obey” is stronger than “listen” or “respect.” It means placing the will of one’s parents above personal preference, unless that will conflicts with God’s explicit commands (Acts 5:29). • Ephesians 6:1–3 echoes the same charge, linking obedience to the promise of well-being. • Proverbs 6:20–22 portrays parental commands as a lamp that guards and guides. • Exodus 20:12 places honor for parents within the Ten Commandments, showing that family order springs from God’s moral law. Your parents The verse mentions both father and mother. Honor is not selective; it is owed to both (Proverbs 1:8-9). In a day when fathers were often central and mothers sidelined, Scripture elevates the authority of both parents equally, reflecting Genesis 2:24’s portrait of a united parental team. In everything The scope is comprehensive. Everyday chores, attitudes, and speech are included, not just major life decisions. • Jesus modeled this holistic submission during His youth, “He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was submissive to them” (Luke 2:51). • When obedience to parents would clearly violate God’s Word, the child must obey the higher authority (Matthew 10:37). Apart from such rare exceptions, “in everything” means no compartment is exempt. For this is pleasing to the Lord The motivation for obedience is not parental convenience but divine delight. • Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Every willing act of obedience becomes an offering God receives with joy. • Colossians 3:17 frames the wider context: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Child-parent relationships become arenas where Christ’s lordship is lived out. • By pleasing the Lord, children testify to a watching world that the gospel transforms household dynamics (Titus 2:10). summary Colossians 3:20 calls every son and daughter under parental care to wholehearted, comprehensive obedience. This command honors both parents equally and reflects God’s design for family order. Obedience is an act of worship that delights the Lord and showcases the transforming power of the gospel in daily life. Verse 20. - To children, be obedient to your parents in all things; for this is well pleasing in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1, 2; Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Leviticus 19:3; Proverbs 23:22; Luke 2:51, 52). In Ephesians 6:1, 2 "in all things" (κατὰ πάντα, "in regard to all things") is wanting; and not the extent, but the intrinsic rightness of the command as it is found in the Decalogue is insisted on. But here, where "Christ is all and in all" (ver. 11), it is "in the Lord" (Revised Text) that the child's obedience is declared to be "well pleasing." There is something especially pleasing in the behaviour of a lovingly obedient child, that wins "favour" both "with God and man" (Luke 2:52). The law of filial obedience has its creative ground "in him" (Colossians 1:16), and is an essential part of the Christian order of life, which is the natural order restored and perfected. "Well pleasing" is a favourite word of St. Paul's (comp. Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 5:10; Philippians 4:8; Romans 14:18; Titus 2:9, etc.; used also in Hebrews).Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Children,τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Vocative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. obey ὑπακούετε (hypakouete) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural Strong's 5219: From hupo and akouo; to hear under, i.e. To listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority. [your] τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. parents γονεῦσιν (goneusin) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 1118: A begetter, father; plur: parents. From the base of ginomai; a parent. in κατὰ (kata) Preposition Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). everything, πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. this τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. pleasing εὐάρεστόν (euareston) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 2101: Acceptable, well-pleasing (especially to God), grateful. From eu and arestos; fully agreeable. to ἐν (en) Preposition Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord. Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Additonal Resources Colossians 3:20 Blue Letter BibleColossians 3:20 Bible Gateway Colossians 3:20 Bible.com Colossians 3:20 NIV |
    |