Colossians 3:20
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 the 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].

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.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
the children: obey the parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the LORD;

Berean Literal Bible
Children, obey the 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 Bible
Children, 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 Bible
Children, 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 Testament
Children, 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



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
Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

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 6:20
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

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.

1 Timothy 5:4
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

Genesis 28:7
and that Jacob had obeyed his father and mother and gone to Paddan-aram.

Leviticus 19:3
Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21
If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who does not obey his father and mother and does not listen to them when disciplined, / his father and mother are to lay hold of him and bring him to the elders of his city, to the gate of his hometown, / and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” ...

1 Samuel 15:22
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams.


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-Pleasing
Jump to Next
Children Christians Fathers Mothers Obedient Obey Orders Parents Pleases Pleasing Right Well-Pleasing
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.














Children
The term "children" in this context refers to young members of a family, but it can also extend to all offspring regardless of age, emphasizing the familial bond and the natural order established by God. In the Greek, the word used is "τέκνα" (tekna), which underscores the idea of being born into a family and the inherent responsibilities that come with that relationship. This word reminds us of the innocence and teachability of youth, and the importance of guiding them in the ways of the Lord.

Obey
The Greek word for "obey" is "ὑπακούετε" (hypakouete), which means to listen attentively and to conform to a command or authority. This obedience is not blind or forced but is a willing submission that reflects a heart aligned with God's will. In the biblical context, obedience is a virtue that reflects one's relationship with God, as it mirrors the obedience of Christ to the Father. It is an act of faith and trust, acknowledging the wisdom and guidance of those placed in authority by God.

Your parents
"Your parents" refers to the immediate guardians and caregivers, typically the mother and father. The Greek term "γονεῦσιν" (goneusin) encompasses both parents, highlighting the joint responsibility and authority they hold in the family unit. This phrase underscores the biblical principle of honoring one's father and mother, as stated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). It reflects the God-ordained structure of the family, where parents are entrusted with the nurturing and instruction of their children.

In everything
The phrase "in everything" suggests a comprehensive scope of obedience, covering all aspects of life. The Greek "κατὰ πάντα" (kata panta) implies a totality, indicating that children are to respect and follow their parents' guidance in all matters, as long as it aligns with God's commandments. This comprehensive obedience fosters a harmonious family environment and teaches children the importance of submission to authority, which is foundational for their relationship with God and society.

For this is pleasing
The phrase "for this is pleasing" indicates that such obedience is not merely a duty but a delight to God. The Greek word "εὐάρεστόν" (euareston) means well-pleasing or acceptable, suggesting that God finds joy and satisfaction in the obedience of children to their parents. This reflects the broader biblical theme that our actions and attitudes should aim to please God, as seen in Romans 12:1-2, where believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

To the Lord
"To the Lord" signifies that the ultimate aim of obedience is to honor and glorify God. The Greek "κυρίῳ" (Kyriō) refers to the Lord, emphasizing His supreme authority and the believer's relationship with Him. This phrase reminds us that our earthly relationships and actions have a spiritual dimension and that by obeying our parents, we are ultimately serving and honoring the Lord. It aligns with the teaching that whatever we do, we should do it as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), recognizing His lordship over all aspects of 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.


Links
Colossians 3:20 NIV
Colossians 3:20 NLT
Colossians 3:20 ESV
Colossians 3:20 NASB
Colossians 3:20 KJV

Colossians 3:20 BibleApps.com
Colossians 3:20 Biblia Paralela
Colossians 3:20 Chinese Bible
Colossians 3:20 French Bible
Colossians 3:20 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Colossians 3:20 Children obey your parents in all things (Coloss. Col Co)
Colossians 3:19
Top of Page
Top of Page