In this short but powerful verse, Paul speaks directly to fathers with a grammatical construction that blends prohibition, purpose, and psychological consequence: Οἱ πατέρες μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν, ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν from Colossians 3:21. This sentence reveals how Greek grammar can communicate both authority and caution, both command and compassion — all in one breath.
The Greek Text in Focus
Οἱ πατέρες μὴ ἐρεθίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν, ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν (Colossians 3:21)
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, so that they may not become discouraged.”
Grammatical Highlights
- Οἱ πατέρες — nominative masculine plural; the subject (“fathers”).
- μὴ ἐρεθίζετε — present imperative active, second person plural with μὴ, forming a negative command (“do not provoke”).
- τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν — accusative plural noun with possessive genitive (“your children”), object of the verb.
- ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν — purpose clause introduced by ἵνα with subjunctive verb (“so that they may not become discouraged”).
μὴ + Present Imperative: Ongoing Prohibition
Paul uses μὴ ἐρεθίζετε rather than the aorist imperative. This grammatical choice suggests a prohibition of continuous or repeated behavior: “stop provoking” or “do not be in the habit of provoking.” The verb ἐρεθίζω means “to stir up,” “irritate,” or “provoke to anger.” The command is not just to avoid a single instance but a pattern of behavior that could demoralize children over time.
ἵνα + Subjunctive: Purpose with Consequence
The purpose clause ἵνα μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν uses the present subjunctive ἀθυμῶσιν (from ἀθυμέω, “to lose heart, become discouraged”). Greek uses the subjunctive after ἵνα to indicate intended outcome or result. The construction implies that continual provocation will result in emotional damage — discouragement or a broken spirit. The grammar builds cause and effect: one behavior leads to another emotional outcome.
Possessive Emphasis: τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν
The phrase τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν (“your children”) uses the genitive plural pronoun ὑμῶν to stress possession. This is not a general principle about children — it’s directed to those who have the most influence over them. Greek word order places the object directly after the verb for emphasis: it is “your” children who are at risk if you provoke them.
| Word | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Οἱ πατέρες | Nominative Masculine Plural | Subject of the command | Fathers |
| μὴ ἐρεθίζετε | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Plural | Negative command | Do not provoke |
| τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν | Accusative Noun + Genitive Pronoun | Direct object | Your children |
| ἵνα | Subordinating conjunction | Introduces purpose clause | So that |
| μὴ ἀθυμῶσιν | Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Plural | Purpose clause verb | They may not become discouraged |
Grammar that Guards the Heart
Colossians 3:21 teaches that the way fathers speak and act toward their children shapes not only behavior but identity and spirit. The present imperative warns against repeated patterns of harshness; the subjunctive clause reveals the fragile outcome: discouragement. This verse exemplifies how Greek grammar is never just technical — it’s pastoral. Even a mood or tense becomes a vehicle of grace, calling for restraint that nurtures rather than wounds.
