King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:21 Mean?

Matthew 10:21 in the King James Version says “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Matthew 10:21 · KJV


Context

19

But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

21

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. have: or, end, or, finish


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus warns of family betrayal: 'the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death' (παραδωσει δε αδελφος αδελφον εις θανατον και πατηρ τεκνον και επαναστησονται τεκνα επι γονεις και θανατωσουσιν αυτους). This horrifying prediction describes family members betraying one another to death because of Christian faith. Jesus' coming brings 'not peace but a sword' (10:34), dividing families. Faith loyalty supersedes family loyalty, creating conflict when family opposes Christ. This isn't ideal but reality: gospel demands allegiance that threatens those who reject it. Family persecution is particularly painful—betrayal by those closest—yet Jesus predicts it to prepare disciples.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures were intensely family-centered. Honor and shame were collective, not individual. One family member's religious deviance brought shame on the entire family. Jewish families considered Christian faith apostasy warranting disownment. Roman families faced similar dynamics when members converted. Early Christian martyrologies record family betrayals: relatives turning Christians over to authorities to preserve family honor. Pliny's letters to Trajan describe children informing on Christian parents. Jesus' prediction proved tragically accurate.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we maintain Christian faithfulness when family opposes our faith?
  2. What does this passage teach about the relationship between family loyalty and Christ loyalty?
  3. How can we love family members while prioritizing allegiance to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
παραδώσει1 of 17

shall deliver up

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

δὲ2 of 17

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφὸν3 of 17

the brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἀδελφὸν4 of 17

the brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

εἰς5 of 17

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

θάνατον6 of 17

death

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 17

and

G2532

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

πατὴρ8 of 17

the father

G3962

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

τέκνα9 of 17

the child

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ10 of 17

and

G2532

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

ἐπαναστήσονται11 of 17

shall rise up

G1881

to stand up on, i.e., (figuratively) to attack

τέκνα12 of 17

the child

G5043

a child (as produced)

ἐπὶ13 of 17

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

γονεῖς14 of 17

their parents

G1118

a parent

καὶ15 of 17

and

G2532

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

θανατώσουσιν16 of 17

cause

G2289

to kill

αὐτούς17 of 17

them

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 Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 10:21 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 Matthew 10:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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