Colossians 3:21
"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged...." — Colossians 3:21 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations.
“Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.”Colossians 3:21 (NIV)
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“The Word Became FleshIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
— John 1:1
What is this verse about?
Colossians 3:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Colossians. This verse comes from chapter 3, which can be read in full at the Colossians chapter 3 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How people apply it
As you reflect on Colossians 3:21, consider how God's truth applies to your current circumstances. Scripture is living and active — it speaks into every season of life. Let this verse shape your thoughts, decisions, and relationships as you walk in faith.
Related verses
Curated from this site's topic lists — not a keyword scan of the verse text.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4:15Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
1 John 2:14I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 Timothy 1:9We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,
2 Peter 3:4They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.”
Deuteronomy 1:8See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.”
Deuteronomy 1:11May the Lord, the God of your fathers, increase you a thousand times and bless you as he has promised!
Deuteronomy 1:21See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
A short prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth revealed in Colossians 3:21. Open my heart to receive Your Word and transform my life. Help me apply this Scripture faithfully and share its hope with others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Quick answers
What does Colossians 3:21 mean?
"Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged...." — Colossians 3:21 reveals truths about God's character and His purposes. This passage has been a source of comfort, guidance, and inspiration for believers across generations. The original biblical context enriches our understanding of how this verse applies today.
What is the context of Colossians 3:21?
Colossians 3:21 is found in the New Testament, in the book of Colossians. This verse comes from chapter 3, which can be read in full at the Colossians chapter 3 page. Understanding the surrounding passages helps illuminate the deeper meaning of this verse.
How does Colossians 3:21 read in other translations?
Colossians 3:21 is available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NLT, MSG, and NASB on this page. Open the compare view to read them side by side.