Bible Commentaries

Right (δικαιον). In Colossians 3:20 it is ευαρεστον (well-pleasing).

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Which (ητις). "Which very" = "for such is." The first commandment with promise (εντολη πρωτη εν επαγγελια). Εν here means "accompanied by" (Alford). But why "with a promise"? The second has a general promise, but the fifth alone (Exodus 20:12) has a specific promise. Perhaps that is the idea. Some take it to be first because in the order of time it was taught first to children, but the addition of εν επαγγελια here to πρωτη points to the other view.

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That it may be well with thee (ινα ευ σο γενητα). From Exodus 20:12, "that it may happen to thee well." And thou mayest live long on the earth (κα εση μακροχρονιος επ της γης). Here εση (second person singular future middle) takes the place of γενη in the LXX (second person singular second aorist middle subjunctive). Μακροχρονιος is a late and rare compound adjective, here only in N.T. (from LXX, Exodus 20:12).

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Provoke not to anger (μη παροργιζετε). Rare compound, both N.T. examples (here and Romans 10:19) are quotations from the LXX. The active, as here, has a causative sense. Parallel in sense with μη ερεθιζετε in Colossians 3:21. Paul here touches the common sin of fathers. In the chastening and admonition of the Lord (εν παιδεια κα νουθεσια του κυριου). Εν is the sphere in which it all takes place. There are only three examples in the N.T. of παιδεια, old Greek for training a παις (boy or girl) and so for the general education and culture of the child. Both papyri and inscriptions give examples of this original and wider sense (Moulton and Milligan, Vocabulary). It is possible, as Thayer gives it, that this is the meaning here in Ephesians 6:4. In 2 Timothy 3:16 adults are included also in the use. In Hebrews 12:5; Hebrews 12:7; Hebrews 12:11 the narrower sense of "chastening" appears which some argue for here. At any rate νουθεσια (from νουσ, τιθημ), common from Aristophanes on, does have the idea of correction. In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 10:11; Titus 3:10.

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With fear and trembling (μετα φοβου κα τρομου). This addition to Colossians 3:22.

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But as servants of Christ (αλλ' ως δουλο Χριστου). Better "slaves of Christ" as Paul rejoiced to call himself (Philippians 1:1). Doing the will of God (ποιουντες το θελημα του θεου). Even while slaves of men.

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With good will (μετ' ευνοιας). Not in Col. Old word from ευνοος, only here in N.T. as ευνοεω is in N.T. only in Matthew 5:25.

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Whatsoever good thing each one doeth (εκαστος εαν τ ποιηση αγαθον). Literally, "each one if he do anything good." Condition of third class, undetermined, but with prospect. Note use here of αγαθον rather than αδικον (one doing wrong) in Colossians 3:25. So it is a reward (κομισετα) for good, not a penalty for wrong, though both are true, "whether he be bond or free" (ειτε δουλος ειτε ελευθερος).

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