Col 3:18-4:1 | RWP | e4.org | Wives ( κα γυναικες ). The article here distinguishes class from class and with the vocative case can be best rendered "Ye wives." So with each group. Be in subjection to your husbands ( υποτασσεσθε τοις ανδρασιν ). "Own" ( ιδιοις ) is genuine in , but not here. The verb υποτασσομα has a military air, common in the Koine for such obedience. Obedience in government is essential as the same word shows in , . As is fitting in the Lord ( ως ανηκεν εν Κυριω ). This is an idiomatic use of the imperfect indicative with verbs of propriety in present time (Robertson, Grammar , p. 919). Wives have rights and privileges, but recognition of the husband's leadership is essential to a well-ordered home, only the assumption is that the husband has a head and a wise one.

‏ Colossians 3:18-25

Wives ( κα γυναικες ). The article here distinguishes class from class and with the vocative case can be best rendered "Ye wives." So with each group.

Be in subjection to your husbands ( υποτασσεσθε τοις ανδρασιν ). "Own" ( ιδιοις ) is genuine in Eph 5:22, but not here. The verb υποτασσομα has a military air, common in the Koine for such obedience. Obedience in government is essential as the same word shows in Ro 13:1, 5.

As is fitting in the Lord ( ως ανηκεν εν Κυριω ). This is an idiomatic use of the imperfect indicative with verbs of propriety in present time (Robertson, Grammar, p. 919). Wives have rights and privileges, but recognition of the husband's leadership is essential to a well-ordered home, only the assumption is that the husband has a head and a wise one.

Love your wives ( αγαπατε τας γυναικας ). Present active imperative, "keep on loving." That is precisely the point.

Be not bitter ( μη πικραινεσθε ). Present middle imperative in prohibition: "Stop being bitter" or "do not have the habit of being bitter." This is the sin of husbands. Πικραινω is an old verb from πικρος (bitter). In N.T. only here and Re 8:11; 10:9f. The bitter word rankles in the soul.

Obey your parents ( υπακουετε τοις γονευσιν ). Old verb to listen under (as looking up), to hearken, to heed, to obey.

In all things ( κατα παντα ). This is the hard part for the child, not occasional obedience, but continual. Surely a Christian father or mother will not make unreasonable or unjust demands of the child. Nowhere does modern civilization show more weakness than just here. Waves of lawlessness sweep over the world because the child was not taught to obey. Again Paul argues that this is "in the Lord" ( εν Κυριω ).

Provoke not ( μη ερεθιζετε ). Present imperative of old verb from ερεθω, to excite. Only twice in N.T., here in bad sense, in good sense in 2Co 9:2 (to stimulate). Here it means to nag and as a habit (present tense).

That they be not discouraged ( ινα μη αθυμωσιν ). Negative purpose ( ινα μη ) with the present subjunctive (continued discouragement) of αθυμεω, old verb, but only here in N.T., from αθυμος (dispirited, α privative, θυμος, spirit or courage). One does not have to read Jane Eyre or Oliver Twist to know something of the sorrows of childhood as is witnessed by runaway children and even child suicides.

Your masters according to the flesh ( τοις κατα σαρκα κυριοις ). "Lords" really, but these Christian slaves ( δουλο ) had Christ as lord, but even so they were to obey their lords in the flesh.

Not with eye-service ( μη εν οφθαλμοδουλιαις ). Another Pauline word (here only and Eph 6:6), elsewhere only in Christian writers after Paul, an easy and expressive compound, service while the master's eye was on the slave and no longer.

Men-pleasers ( ανθρωπαρεσκο ). Late compound only in LXX and Paul (here and Eph 6:6).

In singleness of heart ( εν απλοτητ καρδιας ). So in Eph 6:5. Old and expressive word from απλους (simple, without folds). See 2Co 11:3.

Fearing the Lord ( φοβουμενο τον Κυριον ). Rather than the lords according to the flesh.

Whatsoever ye do ( ο εαν ποιητε ). See same idiom in 3:17 except ο instead of παν οτ.

Heartily ( εκ ψυχης ). From the soul and not with mere eye service. In Eph 6:7 Paul adds μετ' ευνοιας (with good will) in explanation of εκ ψυχης.

As unto the Lord ( ως τω Κυριω ). Even when unto men. This is the highest test of worthwhile service. If it were only always true!

Ye shall receive ( απολημψεσθε ). Future middle indicative of απολαμβανω, old verb, to get back ( απο ), to recover.

The recompense ( ανταποδοσιν ). "The full recompense," old word, in LXX, but only here in N.T., but ανταποδομα twice (Lu 14:12; Ro 11:9). Given back ( απο ) in return ( αντ ).

Ye serve the Lord Christ ( το Κυριω Χριστω δουλευετε ). As his slaves and gladly so. Perhaps better as imperatives, keep on serving.

Shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done ( κομισετα ο ηδικησεν ). It is not clear whether ο αδικων (he that doeth wrong) is the master or the slave. It is true of either and Lightfoot interprets it of both, "shall receive back the wrong which he did." This is a general law of life and of God and it is fair and square.

There is no respect of persons ( ουκ εστιν προσωπολημψια ). There is with men, but not with God. For this word patterned after the Hebrew see Ro 2:11; Eph 6:9; Jas 2:1 The next verse should be in this chapter also.

‏ Colossians 4:1

That which is just and equal ( το δικαιον κα την ισοτητα ). Paul changes from το ισον (like το δικαιον, neuter singular adjective with article for abstract idea) to the abstract substantive ισοτης, old word, in N.T. only here and 2Co 8:13f. If employers always did this, there would be no labour problem.

A Master in heaven ( Κυριον εν ουρανω ). A wholesome reminder to the effect that he keeps his eye on the conduct of masters of men here towards their employees.