Colossians 3:20 (KJV)

What does Colossians 3:20 mean?

Colossians 3:20 tells children to obey their parents in everything, because doing so is very pleasing to the Lord. The verse presents obedience to parents as something God values highly.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Colossae, giving practical instructions for how believers should live in their families and communities. By addressing children directly, Paul shows that even the youngest members of the church are responsible for their actions, and that their obedience is not just a family matter but also a spiritual one.

The Greek behind Colossians 3:20

• "Obey" (ὑπακούετε, hypakouete) means to listen under or to heed someone’s authority. The Greek here carries the sense of attentive, responsive listening, not just outward compliance.
• "Well pleasing" (εὐάρεστόν, euareston) describes something that brings delight or approval. This word highlights that children’s obedience is not just a rule but something that genuinely pleases God.
• "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios) refers to Jesus as master or authority. The verse connects children’s obedience to their parents with their relationship to Jesus himself.

Why Colossians 3:20 matters

• Colossians 3:20 makes clear that children’s behavior is spiritually significant, not just a family or cultural expectation.
• The verse ties obedience to parents directly to what pleases God, showing that everyday actions in the home have spiritual weight.
• By addressing children, Paul affirms their value and agency within the Christian community, making them active participants in living out faith.