King James Version

What Does Matthew 10:35 Mean?

Matthew 10:35 in the King James Version says “For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law ... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Matthew 10:35 · KJV


Context

33

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

35

For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36

And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

37

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Christ continues: 'I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.' This echoes Micah 7:6, connecting Jesus's ministry to prophetic expectations of messianic upheaval. The threefold division encompasses the entire household structure. The verb 'set at variance' (διχάσαι/dichasai) means to divide in two, to cause dissension. This isn't Jesus's desire but the inevitable result of His truth claims in a fallen world. Reformed theology recognizes this as reflecting the radical nature of conversion—regeneration creates new affections and loyalties that supersede natural ties. Following Christ may mean losing the approval, support, and presence of those closest to us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Micah 7:6 described social breakdown in judgment-era Israel when covenant unfaithfulness corrupted even family relationships. Jesus applies this prophecy to His own ministry, suggesting His coming precipitates a similar crisis of loyalty. In honor-shame cultures like first-century Palestine, family harmony was paramount—individual identity was subsumed in collective family identity. Conversion to Christianity often meant betraying family honor. Jewish converts faced formal disownment through declaration 'You are dead to us.' The Talmud records rabbinical discussions of how to treat Jewish apostates, including provisions for their effective legal death.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this challenge contemporary Christianity's tendency to present the gospel as improving family relationships without mentioning potential conflict?
  2. What does it reveal about Christ's character that He honestly warned prospective disciples about the cost?
  3. In what situations might maintaining family peace actually constitute denying Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἦλθον1 of 20

I am come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

γὰρ2 of 20

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

διχάσαι3 of 20

at variance

G1369

to make apart, i.e., sunder (figuratively, alienate)

ἄνθρωπον4 of 20

a man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

κατὰ5 of 20

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τοῦ6 of 20
G3588

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

πατρὸς7 of 20

father

G3962

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

αὐτῆς8 of 20

her

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

καὶ9 of 20

and

G2532

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

θυγατέρα10 of 20

the daughter

G2364

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

κατὰ11 of 20

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς12 of 20
G3588

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

μητρὸς13 of 20

mother

G3384

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

αὐτῆς14 of 20

her

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

καὶ15 of 20

and

G2532

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

νύμφην16 of 20

the daughter in law

G3565

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

κατὰ17 of 20

against

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

τῆς18 of 20
G3588

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

πενθερᾶς19 of 20

mother in law

G3994

a wife's mother

αὐτῆς20 of 20

her

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 10:35 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 10:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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