Colossians 3:19

Christian Households · Colossians 3:18–21
Read Colossians 3

Translations

Modern
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Traditional
Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
Literal
Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Latin
Viri, diligite uxores vestras, et nolite amari esse ad illas.

Original

Greek
English
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Notes

After instructing wives to submit to their husbands, the Paul encourages husbands to love their wives (see also Ephesians 5:25–30; 1 Peter 3:7).

This series of teachings is called a household code. Paul instructs wives (3:18), husbands (3:19), children (3:20), fathers (3:21), slaves (3:22–25), and masters (4:1). Similar codes are found in Greco-Roman writings and other parts of the New Testament (see Ephesians 5:22–6:9; 1 Peter 2:18–3:7).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) The Household

Parallels

Ephesians 6:1–4

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Letter to the Colossians Letter to the Ephesians

Topics

A Healthy Marriage Abuse Abuse from a Spouse Abusive Husbands Abusive Marriages Abusive Relationships Bad Husbands Beating My Wife Being a Husband Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Domestic Violence and Abuse Emotional Abuse Finding a Husband Honor your Wife Husband: General Scriptures Concerning Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Intimacy Love your Wife Loving your Wife Nagging Husband Physical Abuse in Marriage Respect the Wife Respecting Women Spousal Abandonment Spousal Abuse The Marriage Bed The Role of the Woman Verbal Abuse Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To