If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

LUKE 14:26KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 14:26 (KJV)

What does Luke 14:26 mean?

Luke 14:26 describes Jesus telling the crowd that anyone who wants to follow Him must "hate" their own family and even their own life, or else they cannot be His disciple. This strong language is meant to show that loyalty to Jesus must come before every other relationship or personal interest.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a large group of people traveling with Him. He uses striking words to make clear that following Him is not a casual commitment. The verse does not suggest literal hatred but emphasizes that devotion to Jesus must outweigh all other attachments, even to one's closest family or to oneself.

The Greek behind Luke 14:26

  • The word "hate" (μισέω, miseō) in Greek often carries the sense of "to love less" or "to put in second place," rather than emotional hostility. Jesus is using a common figure of speech from that time to highlight the seriousness of choosing Him above all else.
  • The word "disciple" (μαθητής, mathētēs) means a committed learner or follower, not just someone who listens casually. Jesus is setting a high bar for what it means to truly be His disciple.

Why Luke 14:26 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that following Jesus is easy or requires no sacrifice; Jesus is upfront about the cost.
  • The strong language draws attention to the total commitment Jesus expects, which is a key theme in Luke 14 as He warns about the demands of discipleship.
  • Understanding the cultural use of "hate" in this context helps readers avoid thinking Jesus is promoting family conflict, and instead see the call to put Him first.

Where else these words appear

“sisters” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • Acts 23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

“hate” Greek G3404 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 21:17 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
  • Ephesians 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

“any” Greek G1536 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
  • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

“mother” Greek G3384 · used in 79 verses

  • Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
  • Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.
  • Luke 8:20 And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.