Responsibilities of Fathers to Their Children

Part 2

"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

Are you familiar with the word "pedagogue"? It is an English word, but it is derived from Greek. It means "a teacher of children or youth." (Webster. 1663) The Greek word it comes from is the name of one who provides the "training" of which Paul speaks in Ephesians 6:4. Fathers are the pedagogues of their children. They are the teachers of their children. The training they are primarily charged with is "of the Lord."

The word here translated "training" in the New King James Version is also translated "chastening" (Hebrews 12:5,7,11) "chastisement" (Hebrews 12:8), and "instruction" (2 Timothy 3:16). The verb (action) form of the word is rendered "chasten" (Revelation 3:19; Hebrews 12:6,7,10; 1 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Corinthians 6:9), "chastise" (Luke 23:16,22), "correcting" (2 Timothy 2:25), "taught" (Acts 22:3), and "teaching" (Titus 2:12).

Since the word "admonition" in Ephesians 6:4 pertains to "the training by word" (Vine. 1:30), "training" emphasizes example and punishment in education. The heavenly Father gave us an example of how to live through His Son (1 Peter 2:21-22), and fathers are to set the right examples for their children. The Father chastens us (Hebrews 12:5-11), and fathers are to chasten their children.

Fathers can delegate some responsibilities. Mothers can help in chastening. But no one can substitute for daddies in providing examples of godly living for their children. Fathers, what kind of example do you set for your children?

Thayer, J.H. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.

Vine, W.E. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.