King James Version

What Does Luke 12:53 Mean?

Luke 12:53 in the King James Version says “The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the da... — study this verse from Luke chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Luke 12:53 · KJV


Context

51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

52

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

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.

54

And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.

55

And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν)—Jesus enumerates specific family divisions: parent/child, mother/daughter, in-laws. The repetition emphasizes comprehensiveness—no relationship immune from gospel division. The preposition epi (against) indicates active opposition, not mere disagreement.

This catalog of fractured relationships demonstrates the gospel's radical demand for ultimate allegiance. Christ requires priority over the most sacred human bonds. This isn't hatred of family but recognition that following Jesus may cost family approval, inheritance, even relationship. Discipleship demands willingness to lose everything for Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The mother-in-law/daughter-in-law relationship was particularly significant in patriarchal culture where brides joined husband's household under mother-in-law's authority. Division here indicated complete household fracture. Jesus's enumeration covers multiple generations and marriage relationships—comprehensive family breakdown over allegiance to him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What family relationships have been tested or broken by your Christian faith?
  2. How do you maintain gospel witness to family members who oppose your faith without compromising truth or relationship?
  3. Does your Christianity cost you anything in family dynamics, or have you accommodated faith to avoid conflict?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
διαμερισθήσεται1 of 26

shall be divided

G1266

to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)

πατρί2 of 26

The father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ἐπὶ3 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

υἱὸς4 of 26

the son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

καὶ5 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

υἱὸς6 of 26

the son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἐπὶ7 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πατρί8 of 26

The father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μητρί·9 of 26

the mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

ἐπὶ10 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

θυγάτηρ11 of 26

the daughter

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

καὶ12 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

θυγάτηρ13 of 26

the daughter

G2364

a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)

ἐπὶ14 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

μητρί·15 of 26

the mother

G3384

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

πενθεράν16 of 26

mother in law

G3994

a wife's mother

ἐπὶ17 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν18 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

νύμφη19 of 26

daughter in law

G3565

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

αὐτῆς20 of 26
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ21 of 26

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νύμφη22 of 26

daughter in law

G3565

a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife

ἐπὶ23 of 26

against

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τὴν24 of 26
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πενθεράν25 of 26

mother in law

G3994

a wife's mother

αὐτῆς,26 of 26
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 12:53 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 12:53 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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