Ephesians 6:4

Context

Ephesians 5:21–6:9 addresses, in turn, the relationships between wives and husbands, children and parents, and servants and masters. It is commonly called the "household code," a section that gathers exhortations concerning relationships within the household. Ephesians has traditionally been accepted as a letter written by Paul, although some scholars attribute it to a different author.

Ephesians 6:1–3 exhorts children to obey their parents, citing the fifth of the Ten Commandments. Verse 4 then changes direction and addresses how fathers are to treat their children. The entire passage stands under the exhortation of 5:21, "Submitting yourselves one to another." For this reason, verse 4 is read as part of a line of thought in which even the authority of those in a superior position carries limits and responsibilities. The same teaching appears briefly in Colossians as well.

Interpretation

• As a limitation on authority: In Roman society of the time, fathers held very extensive power over their children. In light of this background, many commentators note that the verse required not only the obedience of children but also the duties of fathers.
• As a responsibility for instruction in the faith: The Reformed tradition holds that parents bear responsibility for raising in the faith the children born within the covenant community. This verse is frequently presented as a basis for catechetical instruction in the home and for family worship.
• The meaning of "the nurture and admonition of the Lord": The Greek word paideia is commonly explained as denoting training and discipline, and nouthesia as correcting through verbal warning and instruction. Interpreters differ in emphasis on whether "of the Lord" should be read as instruction that the Lord provides or as instruction that takes the Lord as its standard.

Debates and Issues

• The scope of "fathers": The Greek word pateres refers primarily to fathers. However, because it can also denote both parents, as in Hebrews 11:23, readings differ on whether mothers are included in this verse. The New Korean Revised Version (Gaeyeok Gaejeong) changed the earlier rendering gyoyang ("nurture") to gyohun ("instruction") but retained abideul ("fathers").
• Corporal punishment and discipline: This verse is sometimes cited, together with the "rod" passages in Proverbs, as a basis for strict discipline. Many interpreters, however, hold that the opening phrase, "provoke not your children to wrath," guards against excessive punishment or emotionally driven discipline.
• The question of cultural background: The same passage also contains exhortations to servants and masters. Consequently, there is ongoing discussion about how exhortations that presuppose the ancient household structure should be applied today.

In the Korean Church

The verse is frequently used as a sermon text, together with 6:1–3, during Family Month in May, around Children's Sunday and Parents' Sunday.

In churches that practice infant baptism, such as Presbyterian and Methodist churches, parents vow at infant baptism to raise their children in the faith. Baptists and others who do not practice infant baptism make a similar commitment in a service dedicating the child to God (child dedication). This verse is often mentioned when explaining the meaning of such vows.

It is also commonly cited in family ministries, such as parenting classes.

Related Passages

• Colossians 3:21
• Ephesians 6:1–3
• Deuteronomy 6:6–9
• Proverbs 22:15
• Hebrews 12:6–11