King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:22 Mean?

Matthew 10:22 in the King James Version says “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 10:22 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

24

The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus predicts universal hatred: 'ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved' (και εσεσθε μισουμενοι υπο παντων δια το ονομα μου ο δε υπομεινας εις τελος ουτος σωθησεται). 'Hated of all men' indicates widespread, not isolated, persecution. 'For my name's sake' (δια το ονομα μου) clarifies: hatred stems from identification with Christ, not personal flaws. Jesus' name represents His person, authority, and claims. Allegiance to Him provokes hostility. Yet Jesus promises: 'he that endureth to the end shall be saved.' Endurance (υπομεινας, remaining under pressure) to 'the end' (εις τελος, completion) proves genuine faith. This doesn't teach salvation by works but emphasizes that genuine faith perseveres. True believers endure; false professors fall away under pressure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians faced widespread persecution: Jewish opposition, Roman suspicion, popular hostility. They were blamed for disasters, accused of atheism (rejecting pagan gods), charged with immorality (misunderstanding communion). Tacitus described them as 'hated for their abominations.' Sustained persecution tested faith: some apostatized to save lives; others endured to martyrdom. Church fathers wrestled with how to treat those who denied Christ under persecution then sought readmission. The passage became crucial: endurance indicates salvation; apostasy reveals false profession.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage help distinguish genuine faith from false profession?
  2. What does endurance 'to the end' teach about the perseverance of the saints?
  3. How can Christians prepare to endure when facing hostility for Christ's sake?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ἔσεσθε2 of 16

“ye shall”

G2071

will be

μισούμενοι3 of 16

“be hated”

G3404

to detest (especially to persecute); by extension, to love less

ὑπὸ4 of 16

“of”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

πάντων5 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

διὰ6 of 16

“men for”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τὸ7 of 16
G3588

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

ὄνομά8 of 16

“name's sake”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου·9 of 16

“my”

G3450

of me

ὁ10 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ11 of 16

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑπομείνας12 of 16

“endureth”

G5278

to stay under (behind), i.e., remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e., bear (trials), have fortitude, persevere

εἰς13 of 16

“to”

G1519

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

τέλος14 of 16

“he that”

G5056

properly, the point aimed at as a limit, i.e., (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitel

οὗτος15 of 16

“the end”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

σωθήσεται16 of 16

“shall be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

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 10:22 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 10:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:13James 1:12Revelation 2:10Mark 13:13Matthew 10:391 John 3:13

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