Colossians 3:20 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:20 mean?

Colossians 3:20 tells children to obey their parents, giving a broad instruction that reaches into every part of family life. The reason given is that such obedience is pleasing to the Lord, so the verse connects a child’s conduct at home with the Lord’s approval.

The verse addresses children directly rather than speaking about them through their parents. In the surrounding passage, Paul speaks to several members of a household in turn; verse 20 gives children their place in that conversation.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:20

• “obey” — ὑπακούω (hypakouō): The word carries the sense of responding to someone’s direction. Here it describes how children are to respond to their parents, not merely how they are to listen.
• “pleasing” — εὐάρεστος (euarestos): The word means pleasing or acceptable. Paired with “unto the Lord,” it points to the Lord’s approval as the reason Paul gives for the instruction.

Why Colossians 3:20 matters

• The instruction is stated broadly. “In all things” presents obedience as a general expectation, rather than limiting it to one kind of request.
• The surrounding passage also addresses a father’s treatment of his children. Verse 21 tells fathers not to provoke their children, “lest they be discouraged,” so the household instructions do not speak only to children.