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 10:35KJVWhat 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.