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 10:37KJV
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Matthew 10:37 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“loveth” Greek G5368 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
  • John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
  • John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“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.

“worthy” Greek G514 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
  • Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;