He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
MATTHEW 10:37KJVWhat does Matthew 10:37 mean?
Matthew 10:37 says that anyone who loves their father, mother, son, or daughter more than Jesus is not worthy of him. The verse sets a clear priority: loyalty to Jesus must come before even the closest family relationships.
Jesus is speaking to his disciples as he sends them out to spread his message. He warns them that following him may cause division, even within families, and that true discipleship requires putting him first. The verse highlights the cost and seriousness of choosing to follow Jesus above all else.
The Greek behind Matthew 10:37
- The word "loveth" (φιλέω, phileō) means to have deep affection or attachment, often used for close, personal love. Here, it points to the strong emotional bonds people naturally have with family.
- The word "worthy" (ἄξιος, axios) means deserving or fit. In this context, Jesus is saying that only those who place him above all others are truly fit to be his followers.
- The repeated phrase "more than me" (ὑπὲρ ἐμέ, hyper emé) stresses comparison—Jesus is not asking for less love for family, but for greater love and loyalty to him.
Why Matthew 10:37 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that following Jesus is always easy or will never create conflict; it shows that discipleship can demand real sacrifice, even in family relationships.
- Matthew 10:37 emphasizes the radical commitment Jesus asks for, which is a central theme in this chapter as he prepares his disciples for opposition and hardship.
- The verse helps readers understand that Jesus is not dismissing family love, but is calling for ultimate allegiance to him, which was a challenging and countercultural message in his time.