And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

MATTHEW 10:21KJV
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Matthew 10:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:21 mean?

Matthew 10:21 warns that following Jesus may lead to deep divisions within families, even to the point where relatives betray one another and some are put to death. Jesus is telling his disciples that loyalty to him could cost them their closest relationships and even their lives.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his message. He is preparing them for the reality that their mission will bring conflict, not just from outsiders, but even from their own families. The verse uses strong language to show how serious and costly discipleship can be, highlighting the intense opposition that early followers of Jesus might face.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:21

  • παραδώσει (paradōsei, "shall deliver up"): This word means to hand over or betray, often used in legal or hostile contexts. Here, it emphasizes the idea of family members actively turning each other in, not just passively disagreeing.
  • θανατῶσαι (thanatōsai, "cause...to be put to death"): This verb means to put to death or kill. The use of this word shows that the consequences of betrayal can be fatal, underlining the seriousness of the warning.

Why Matthew 10:21 matters

  • Matthew 10:21 clears up the idea that following Jesus would always bring peace or harmony; instead, it reveals that faithfulness can sometimes lead to painful divisions, even within families.
  • This verse emphasizes the real risks and sacrifices involved in being a disciple, helping readers understand the courage required of the early followers.
  • Matthew 10:21 connects to the wider passage where Jesus prepares his disciples for persecution, showing that hardship and opposition were expected parts of their mission.

Where else these words appear

“up” Greek G1881 · used in 2 verses

  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

“cause” Greek G2289 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;
  • Mark 14:55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none.
  • Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

“parents” Greek G1118 · used in 18 verses

  • Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.
  • Luke 21:16 And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
  • John 9:23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

“child” Greek G5043 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 2:18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
  • Luke 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;