Paragraph 3:20–21

Theme: Paul gave instructions to parents and children: that children should obey their parents, and parents should not overcorrect their children.

3:20b

for this is pleasing to the Lord: The Greek translated literally says, “for this is pleasing in the Lord.” There are two ways to interpret this:

(1) “for this pleases the Lord”

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, Revised Standard Version, Contemporary English Version, God’s Word, King James Version, New Century Version, New Living Translation (2004)).

(2) “for this is pleasing ⌊to God⌋ in the Lord”. This means, “for this is what God wants you to do as followers of the Lord.” Here is another way to translate this:

for this is pleasing to God and is the Christian way (Revised English Bible)

(Good News Translation, Revised English Bible, SSA)

It is recommended that you follow the first interpretation with most of the English versions (1).

Lord: This refers to the Lord Jesus, just as in 3:18b.

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