New International VersionThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
New Living Translation‘Father will be divided against son and son against father; mother against daughter and daughter against mother; and mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’”
English Standard VersionThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Berean Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Berean Literal BibleThey will be divided father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
King James BibleThe 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.
New King James VersionFather will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
New American Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
NASB 1995“They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
NASB 1977“They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Legacy Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Amplified BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
Christian Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law. ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
American Standard VersionThey shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.
Contemporary English VersionFathers and sons will turn against one another, and mothers and daughters will do the same. Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law will also turn against each other.
English Revised VersionThey shall be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother in law against her daughter in law, and daughter in law against her mother in law.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationA father will be against his son and a son against his father. A mother will be against her daughter and a daughter against her mother. A mother-in-law will be against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Good News TranslationFathers will be against their sons, and sons against their fathers; mothers will be against their daughters, and daughters against their mothers; mothers-in-law will be against their daughters-in-law, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law."
International Standard VersionThey will be divided father against son, son against father, mother against daughter, daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
NET BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
New Heart English BibleThey will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
Webster's Bible TranslationThe father will 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.
Weymouth New Testamentfather against son and son against father; mother attacking daughter and daughter her mother, mother-in-law her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law her mother-in-law." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThey will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
World English BibleThey will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiona father will be divided against a son, and a son against a father, a mother against a daughter, and a daughter against a mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
Berean Literal BibleThey will be divided father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Young's Literal Translation a father shall be divided against a son, and a son against a father, a mother against a daughter, and a daughter against a mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.'
Smith's Literal TranslationFather shall be divided against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThe father shall be divided against the son, and the son against his 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionA father will be divided against a son, and a son against his father; a mother against a daughter and a daughter against a mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
New American Biblea father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”
New Revised Standard Versionthey will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor a father will be divided against his son, and a son against his father; a mother against her daughter, and a daughter against her mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English“For a father will be divided against his son and son against his father, mother against her daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThe father shall be at variance with the son, and the son with the father; the mother with the daughter, and the daughter with the mother; the mother-in-law with her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law.
Godbey New Testament
the father against the son, and the son against the father; and the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against the daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law.
Haweis New Testament
The father shall take part against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the step-mother against her daughter-in-law, and the son’s wife against her mother-in-law.
Mace New Testament
the father will be at variance with his son, and the son with the father: the mother with the daughter, and the daughter with the mother: the mother-in-law with the daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law with the mother-in-law.
Weymouth New Testament
father against son and son against father; mother attacking daughter and daughter her mother, mother-in-law her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law her mother-in-law."
Worrell New Testament
they will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against the mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against the mother-in-law."
Worsley New Testament
the father will be 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.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Not Peace, But Division… 52From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. 53They will be divided,fatheragainstsonandsonagainstfather,motheragainstdaughteranddaughteragainstmother,mother-in-lawagainstdaughter-in-lawanddaughter-in-lawagainstmother-in-law.”54Then Jesus said to the crowds, “As soon as you see a cloud rising in the west, you say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and that is what happens.…
Cross References Matthew 10:35-36For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. / A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’
Micah 7:6For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
Mark 13:12Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
Matthew 24:10At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
John 7:43So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.
John 9:16Because of this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinful man perform such signs?” And there was division among them.
John 10:19Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.
2 Timothy 3:2-4For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
Malachi 4:6And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
Zechariah 13:3And if anyone still prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will say to him, ‘You shall not remain alive, because you have spoken falsely in the name of the LORD.’ When he prophesies, his father and mother who bore him will pierce him through.
Isaiah 19:2“So I will incite Egyptian against Egyptian; brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.
Ezekiel 38:21And I will summon a sword against Gog on all My mountains, declares the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword will be against his brother.
Jeremiah 9:4-5“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.
Jeremiah 12:6Even your brothers—your own father’s household—even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.
Psalm 41:9Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Treasury of Scripture 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. Micah 7:6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemiesare the men of his own house. Zechariah 13:2-6 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts,that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land… Matthew 10:21,22 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up againsttheir parents, and cause them to be put to death… Jump to Previous AttackingDaughterDaughter-In-LawDividedLawMotherMother-In-LawWarJump to Next AttackingDaughterDaughter-In-LawDividedLawMotherMother-In-LawWarLuke 12 1.Jesus preaches to his apostles to avoid hypocrisy13.and warns against covetousness, by the parable of the man who set up greater barns.22.We must not worry about earthly things,31.but seek the kingdom of God;33.give alms;35.be ready at a knock to open to our Lord whensoever he comes.41.Jesus' disciples are to see to their charges,49.and look for persecution.54.The people must take this time of grace;57.because it is a fearful thing to die without reconciliation.They will be dividedThis phrase highlights the inevitable division that the message of Jesus brings. The gospel often causes a separation between those who accept it and those who reject it. This division is not just external but can penetrate the closest of relationships, such as family. The concept of division is echoed in other scriptures, such as Matthew 10:34-36, where Jesus states He did not come to bring peace but a sword. This division is a fulfillment of prophecy and a reflection of the spiritual battle between light and darkness. father against son and son against father
The father-son relationship is traditionally one of authority and inheritance. In the cultural context of the time, a son was expected to follow in the religious and social footsteps of his father. However, the gospel challenges these expectations, as seen in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), where the younger son breaks away from his father's ways. This division signifies a break from traditional values and a new allegiance to Christ, which can cause familial strife. mother against daughter and daughter against mother
The mother-daughter relationship is often characterized by nurturing and guidance. In the historical context, women were expected to maintain the household and uphold family traditions. The gospel's call to follow Christ above all else can disrupt these roles, as seen in the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42), where Mary chooses to listen to Jesus rather than fulfill traditional duties. This division underscores the personal cost of discipleship and the priority of spiritual over familial ties. mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law
The relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law can be complex, often involving issues of loyalty and family dynamics. In ancient times, a daughter-in-law was expected to integrate into her husband's family, adopting their customs and beliefs. The gospel's transformative power can challenge these expectations, leading to conflict. This division is reminiscent of the story of Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1:16-18), where Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her God signifies a break from her own cultural and familial background. This phrase emphasizes the radical nature of the gospel, which can transcend and disrupt traditional family structures. Persons / Places / Events 1. Father and SonRepresents the closest familial bond, often seen as a symbol of generational continuity and legacy. 2. Mother and DaughterAnother intimate family relationship, highlighting the nurturing and guiding role of a mother. 3. Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-lawA relationship that can be complex due to differing family traditions and expectations. 4. Jesus' MinistryThe context of this teaching is during Jesus' ministry, where He often spoke about the cost of discipleship. 5. DivisionThe event or outcome described is a division within families, a metaphor for the broader societal impact of following Christ. Teaching Points The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus may lead to division even in the most intimate relationships. Believers must be prepared for this reality. Prioritizing ChristOur allegiance to Christ must take precedence over all earthly ties, including family. This is a call to prioritize spiritual commitments. Understanding DivisionDivision is not the goal but a potential consequence of living out the truth of the Gospel. It is a byproduct of differing values and beliefs. Responding with LoveEven in the face of division, Christians are called to respond with love and grace, seeking reconciliation where possible. Endurance in FaithBelievers are encouraged to endure familial opposition, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose for their lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Luke 12:53?
2.How does Luke 12:53 challenge our understanding of family relationships in Christ?
3.What does "father against son" reveal about the cost of following Jesus?
4.How can we prepare for division within families as described in Luke 12:53?
5.Which other scriptures discuss family division due to faith in Jesus?
6.How should believers respond when family members oppose their Christian faith?
7.How does Luke 12:53 align with the message of family unity in Christianity?
8.Why would Jesus predict division within families in Luke 12:53?
9.What historical context explains the family division in Luke 12:53?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 12?
11.Should we honor our parents? (Exodus 20:12 vs. Luke 14:26)
12.Luke 14:26: Why does Jesus command followers to 'hate' their family, contradicting the biblical admonition to honor parents (Exodus 20:12)?
13.Who was the father of Shelah? Cainan (Luke 3:35-36) Arphaxad (Genesis II: 12)
14.Who was the father of Shealtiel? Jechoniah (Matthew 1:12) Neri (Luke 3:27)What Does Luke 12:53 Mean Father against sonLuke 12:53 opens with Jesus’ words: “They will be divided, father against son…”. • Jesus is forewarning that allegiance to Him creates a fault line that can run straight through the closest earthly bond. • Micah 7:6 first pictured this breach; Jesus now applies it to the age of His kingdom’s advance (Matthew 10:34-36). • Literal fathers and sons will stand on opposite sides of the gospel. We saw it when Saul of Kish hunted David (1 Samuel 20), and we see it wherever one generation embraces Christ and another resists (Acts 16:31-34 shows the joyful exception when an entire household believes). • The deeper lesson: earthly paternity cannot supersede heavenly paternity (John 1:12-13). The call is to love Christ supremely even when it costs relational comfort (Luke 14:26).
Son against father“…and son against father…”. • The same rupture works in reverse; younger family members may receive Christ first. • Gideon tore down his father’s altar to Baal (Judges 6:25-32), a vivid picture of a son’s obedience to God over family expectations. • The pattern reminds believing children that honoring parents (Exodus 20:12) never means disobeying God; rather, true honor may involve gentle but firm dissent (Acts 5:29). • For unbelieving fathers, the gospel preached by their own children becomes a testimony of grace (Malachi 4:6).
Mother against daughter“…mother against daughter…”. • Maternal bonds are renowned for tenderness, yet Jesus says even these can fracture over Him. • Consider Naomi and the choice that faced her daughters-in-law (Ruth 1:8-18). Ruth cleaved, Orpah turned back—division born of differing loyalties to the covenant God. • When a mother resists Christ, her daughter’s faith may feel like betrayal; nonetheless, the daughter’s first loyalty remains to the Lord (Psalm 27:10).
Daughter against mother“…and daughter against mother…”. • The gospel can empower daughters to step out of inherited unbelief, echoing Abraham leaving Ur (Genesis 12:1). • Acts 16:14-15 portrays Lydia, whose household follows her lead into baptism; yet Jesus reminds us that not every mother will follow her daughter’s faith decision. • Believing daughters are called to respectful witness (1 Peter 3:1-2), praying that their lives adorn the message.
Mother-in-law against daughter-in-law“…mother-in-law against daughter-in-law…”. • In ancient homes, these two women often shared daily life most closely; Christ’s claim can still cut through that relationship. • The classic friction between Naomi and Orpah highlights the cost of covenant choice (Ruth 1). • When a mother-in-law rejects the gospel embraced by her son’s wife, cultural expectations of deference collide with heavenly allegiance (Galatians 1:10).
Daughter-in-law against mother-in-law“…and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”. • Here the younger woman stands firm, even if it means isolation within her new family circle. • Peter’s healing of his own mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39) hints at how faith can bridge that gap, yetLuke 12:53 prepares us for times when it widens instead. • The Spirit equips believers with courage and love (2 Timothy 1:7) so that even when division arises, the manner remains Christlike (Colossians 4:6).
summaryLuke 12:53 teaches that Jesus’ coming inevitably exposes where ultimate loyalties lie, sometimes splitting the most intimate family ties. He speaks literally: real households will experience real conflict over Him. These divisions are not His final goal—peace with God is—but they are the immediate result when light meets darkness. Our calling is to prize Christ above every earthly relationship, to remain faithful and loving toward family members, and to trust that God can use even painful divides to draw many to saving faith.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek They will be divided,διαμερισθήσονται(diameristhēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1266:To divide up into parts, break up; I distribute. From dia and merizo; to partition thoroughly.fatherπατὴρ(patēr)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.sonυἱῷ(huiō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.sonυἱὸς(huios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207:A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.father,πατρί(patri)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.motherμήτηρ(mētēr)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.daughterθυγατέρα(thygatera)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2364:Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.daughterθυγάτηρ(thygatēr)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2364:Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.mother,μητέρα(mētera)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.mother-in-lawπενθερὰ(penthera)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3994:A mother-in-law. Feminine of pentheros; a wife's mother.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.daughter-in-lawνύμφην(nymphēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3565:From a primary but obsolete verb nupto; a young married woman, including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.daughter-in-lawνύμφη(nymphē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3565:From a primary but obsolete verb nupto; a young married woman, including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife.againstἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.mother-in-law.”πενθεράν(pentheran)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3994:A mother-in-law. Feminine of pentheros; a wife's mother.
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NT Gospels: Luke 12:53 They will be divided father against son (Luke Lu Lk) |
