Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Bring children up in the Lord – Episode 808

Bits of Torah Truths – #Torah Concept in the NT: Bring children up in the Lord – Episode 808

Ephesians 6:4
וְאַתֶּם הָאָבוֹת, אַל תַּכְעִיסוּ אֶת בְּנֵיכֶם, אֶלָּא גַּדְּלוּ אוֹתָם בְּמוּסַר הָאָדוֹן וּבְתוֹכַחְתּוֹ.

#torah #torahwisdom #torahtruth #torahforlife #torah4you #torahtruth

Ephesians 6:4
6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (NASB)

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Paul’s instruction to “bring children up in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4) reflects Torah foundations in which parents are commanded to train, instruct, and shape their children in the knowledge and ways of YHWH. The Torah presents parental discipleship as a daily, intentional, covenantal responsibility.

– Torah parallels –

1. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 – Parents must diligently teach YHWH’s commandments to their children in daily life, forming them in covenant identity.
2. Deuteronomy 11:18–21 – Israel is commanded again to teach God’s words to their children, ensuring generational faithfulness.
3. Exodus 12:24–27 – Parents must explain the meaning of the Passover to their children, grounding them in the story of redemption.
4. Exodus 13:8–14 – Parents are instructed to answer their children’s questions about the Exodus, showing that spiritual formation is rooted in remembering God’s acts.
5. Deuteronomy 4:9–10 – Israel must make God’s works known to their children and grandchildren, so they learn to fear YHWH.
6. Deuteronomy 31:12–13 – Children must hear the Torah read publicly so they learn to fear YHWH and keep His commandments.
7. Genesis 18:19 – Abraham is chosen because he will command his children after him to keep the way of YHWH, establishing the parental role in covenant transmission.

– Context Synthesis –

Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:4 stands firmly within the Torah’s vision of generational discipleship. In the Torah, parents—especially fathers—are responsible for shaping their children’s understanding of God, His commandments, and His saving acts. This training is not occasional but woven into daily life, conversation, and family rhythms. Paul applies this same covenant pattern to the community in Messiah Yeshua, calling parents to raise their children in the instruction and discipline that aligns with God’s revealed ways. The continuity is clear: covenant life is sustained through intentional, faithful parental teaching.

– Core Insight –

Bringing children up in the Lord is a direct continuation of the Torah’s mandate for parents to form their children in the knowledge and ways of YHWH. Paul’s instruction reflects the same covenantal responsibility: to nurture children through consistent teaching, loving discipline, and a life that models obedience to God through Messiah Yeshua. This is how Paul taught Torah in the NT; the Torah has not passed away!

Visual Summary of Concepts the Torah in the NT