Ephesians 6:4 – Discipline and admonition

And fathers, do not be vexing your children, but be nurturing them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord.

To fathers in particular, the task is given to raise the children. “In discipline” it reads. In Greek (paideia) there is a word where our word ‘pedagogy’ is derived from. Discipline is a property in which one does what one should do. To fulfill what has been said or agreed. Regardless of whether they feel like it or not. Isn’t that one of the essences of upbringing? In fact, discipline comes down to reliability. Discipline starts with the parents themselves because they do what they say and promise. No better upbringing in discipline than parents who do what they should do.

What is subsequently translated with ‘admonition’ is usually translated (in Dutch translations) as ‘correcting’. But the root word (nouthesia) has to do with drawing the attention to something. This can have a corrective element, but that is not necessary. Paul writes that fathers would make their children aware of what is of the Lord. That is so much friendlier than just ‘correcting’. What a wonderful task to make children aware of Him who is Lord of all!

Delen: