For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

MATTHEW 10:35KJV
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Matthew 10:35 (KJV)

What does Matthew 10:35 mean?

Matthew 10:35 means that Jesus is warning his followers that his coming will cause deep divisions, even within families, as people respond differently to his message. Loyalty to him may put family members at odds with each other, leading to conflict between those who accept and those who reject his teachings.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his message. He prepares them for the reality that following him may disrupt even the closest relationships, such as between parents and children or in-laws. The verse highlights the seriousness of choosing to follow Jesus, making clear that it can bring about real and painful divisions.

The Greek behind Matthew 10:35

  • The word "set at variance" comes from διαχωρίζω (diakhorízō), which means to divide or separate. This word emphasizes that the division Jesus speaks of is not accidental but an intentional result of his message.
  • The Greek word for "against" is κατά (katá), which often carries a sense of opposition or being set in conflict. This highlights the intensity of the division described.
  • The term for "man" here is ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos), meaning a human being in general, not just a male, showing that the statement applies broadly to all people.

Why Matthew 10:35 matters

  • This verse clears up the misunderstanding that Jesus only came to bring peace in every sense; instead, his message can create conflict where loyalties are divided.
  • It emphasizes the cost of discipleship, showing that following Jesus may require difficult choices that affect even family relationships.
  • Matthew 10:35 connects to the wider passage where Jesus prepares his followers for opposition and challenges, helping readers understand the real-life impact of his call.

Where else these words appear

“law” Greek G3994 · used in 5 verses

  • Matthew 8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.
  • Mark 1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.
  • Luke 4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

“law” Greek G3565 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
  • Revelation 18:23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
  • Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

“daughter” Greek G2364 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:18 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
  • Mark 6:22 And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee.
  • Luke 12:53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

“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 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?
  • Luke 8:21 And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.