New International VersionFor I have come to turn “’a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
New Living Translation‘I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
English Standard VersionFor I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Berean Standard BibleFor I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Berean Literal BibleFor I came to set at variance 'A man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
King James BibleFor 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.
New King James VersionFor I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’;
New American Standard BibleFor I came to TURN A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
NASB 1995“For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
NASB 1977“For I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
Legacy Standard BibleFor I came to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
Amplified BibleFor I have come to SET A MAN AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND A DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND A DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW;
Christian Standard BibleFor I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
American Standard VersionFor I came 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:
Contemporary English VersionI came to turn sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law.
English Revised VersionFor I came 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:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationI came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Good News TranslationI came to set sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law;
International Standard VersionI came to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
NET BibleFor I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
New Heart English BibleFor I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor 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.
Weymouth New TestamentFor I came to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
World English BibleFor I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor I came to set a man at variance against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
Berean Literal BibleFor I came to set at variance 'A man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
Young's Literal Translation for I came to set a man at variance against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
Smith's Literal TranslationFor I came to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the bride against her mother-in-law. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I came 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor I came to divide a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
New American BibleFor I have come to set a man ‘against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
New Revised Standard VersionFor I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishI have come to divide a man against his father and a daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law, NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor I have come to set a man at variance with his father, and the daughter with her mother, and the daughter-in-law with her mother-in-law:
Godbey New TestamentFor I came to divide a man against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law:
Haweis New Testament
For I came 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.
Mace New Testament
my coming will occasion discord between the son and his father, between the daughter and her mother, between the daughter in law and her mother in law:
Weymouth New Testament
For I came to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
Worrell New Testament
for I came to set a man at variance with his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;
Worsley New Testament
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:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Sword of the Gospel34Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35ForI have cometo turn‘a managainsthisfather,a daughteragainsthermother,a daughter-in-lawagainsthermother-in-law.36A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’…
Cross References 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.
Luke 12:51-53Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division. / From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three. / 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.”
Matthew 10:21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
Matthew 10:36A man’s enemies will be 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.
Luke 21:16You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
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.
Acts 14:4The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
Acts 23:7As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.
1 Corinthians 7:12-16To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If a brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. / And if a woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. / For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. ...
2 Timothy 3:12Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 11:37-38They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. / The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
Treasury of Scripture 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 10:21 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. Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Micah 7:5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. Jump to Previous DaughterDaughter-In-LawLawMotherMother-In-LawTurnVarianceJump to Next DaughterDaughter-In-LawLawMotherMother-In-LawTurnVarianceMatthew 10 1.Jesus sends out his apostles, enabling them with power to do miracles;5.giving them their charge, teaches them;16.comforts them against persecutions;40.and promises a blessing to those who receive them.For I have come to turnThis phrase indicates a purpose of Jesus' mission that may seem paradoxical. While Jesus is often associated with peace, this statement highlights the division that can occur as a result of His message. The Greek word used here for "turn" can also mean to set at variance or to separate, suggesting a deliberate action that results in division. This reflects the reality that the gospel can create conflict even within close relationships, as individuals respond differently to Jesus' call. a man against his father,
This part of the verse emphasizes the potential for division within the most fundamental social unit: the family. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, family loyalty was paramount. The idea of a son being set against his father would have been shocking. This division is not the goal but a consequence of the radical nature of Jesus' teachings, which demand ultimate allegiance to Him above all else. This echoesMicah 7:6, where familial discord is a sign of societal breakdown, highlighting the cost of discipleship. a daughter against her mother,
The mention of a daughter against her mother continues the theme of familial division. In ancient Jewish culture, the mother-daughter relationship was crucial for the transmission of cultural and religious values. Jesus' message challenges these traditional bonds, illustrating that following Him may require prioritizing spiritual kinship over biological ties. This reflects the transformative and sometimes disruptive power of the gospel. a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
The inclusion of the daughter-in-law and mother-in-law relationship further underscores the pervasive nature of the division Jesus speaks of. In many cultures, including the Jewish culture of the time, this relationship could already be fraught with tension. Jesus' message intensifies this potential conflict, as allegiance to Him may lead to differing values and priorities within extended family structures. This highlights the comprehensive impact of Jesus' call to discipleship, affecting all areas of life and relationships. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they will face as His followers. 2. DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to follow Him. 3. Family MembersThe verse specifically mentions familial relationships—father, mother, daughter, and daughter-in-law—highlighting the potential for division within the closest human relationships. 4. Mission of JesusThe broader context of Jesus' mission on earth, which includes bringing truth and salvation, even if it causes division. 5. Cultural ContextThe Jewish cultural setting where family ties were of utmost importance, making the statement particularly striking. Teaching Points The Cost of DiscipleshipFollowing Jesus may lead to division, even within families. Believers must be prepared for this reality and prioritize their commitment to Christ. Spiritual Allegiance Over Earthly TiesOur ultimate loyalty is to Jesus, which may require difficult choices when family members oppose our faith. Understanding Division as a Sign of FaithfulnessDivision is not the goal, but a potential outcome of living out the truth of the Gospel. It can be a sign of faithfulness to Christ. Prayer for Family MembersBelievers should pray for their family members, seeking reconciliation and salvation for those who oppose the faith. Endurance in TrialsBelievers are called to endure trials, including familial opposition, with grace and love, trusting in God's ultimate plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Matthew 10:35?
2.How does Matthew 10:35 challenge our understanding of family relationships in Christ?
3.What does "set a man against his father" reveal about following Jesus?
4.How can we prioritize Christ when family opposes our faith, per Matthew 10:35?
5.How does Matthew 10:35 connect with Luke 14:26 on discipleship and family?
6.In what ways can we prepare for familial division due to our faith?
7.How does Matthew 10:35 align with the message of peace in Christianity?
8.Why would Jesus say He came to bring division in Matthew 10:35?
9.What historical context explains the family division in Matthew 10:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 10?
11.What did Jesus mean by bringing a sword, not peace?
12.Did Mary have additional children?
13.What does the Bible say about family conflict?
14.If Jesus taught peace, why did He say He came to bring a sword (Matthew 10:34)?What Does Matthew 10:35 Mean a man against his father• Jesus states plainly, “For I have come to turn a man against his father” (Matthew 10:35). His coming forces a choice of ultimate loyalty. • Cross references show the same truth:Luke 12:51–53 speaks of households divided;Matthew 10:37 reminds that loving father or mother more than Christ makes one “unworthy” of Him. • Scripture still commands honor for parents (Exodus 20:12;Ephesians 6:1–3). The clash arises not because Christ cancels that command, but because some fathers will reject the gospel while their sons embrace it. • The Lord’s words are literal: following Him can sever even the tightest earthly bond. Yet the intent is not to encourage rebellion; it exposes the unavoidable conflict between allegiance to Christ and allegiance to unbelief (John 15:18–19).
a daughter against her mother• “A daughter against her mother” pictures the intimate mother-daughter relationship fractured when one side rejects Christ. •Micah 7:6—quoted by Jesus here—portrays end-times corruption when family ties fail; Christ applies it to His own ministry. • The gospel does not discriminate by age or gender; every heart must decide (Acts 16:14-15;Galatians 3:28). • Obedience to Christ might mean a daughter respectfully refusing to join her mother in unbelieving practices (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). The division is moral and spiritual, not malicious.
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law• Jesus continues: “a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” He presses the illustration to the extended family, highlighting that no household tier is exempt. • In ancient Israel, a daughter-in-law often lived under her husband’s family roof; such close quarters make spiritual disagreement especially sharp (Ruth 1:15-18 shows a positive example, but here Jesus gives the opposite). • First Peter 3:1-2 encourages believing wives to win unbelieving husbands “without a word,” yet notes possible suffering (1 Peter 3:14-17). The same dynamic applies to in-law relationships. • Again, Christ predicts division, He does not prescribe hostility.Romans 12:18 calls believers to live at peace “if it is possible.” Sometimes it is not possible because loyalty to Christ is non-negotiable.
summaryMatthew 10:35 teaches that Jesus’ coming inevitably exposes who stands with Him and who does not. When family members part ways over that choice, even the closest relationships can fracture. Honor, love, and peacemaking remain Christian duties, yet they never outrank allegiance to the Lord. Christ tells the truth in advance so His followers will not be shaken when loyalty to Him costs them the comfort of unanimous family support. (35) The words are partly, as the marginal reference shows, an echo of Micah 7:6, but the selection of the special relationships as typical instances suggests the thought of some personal application. Had Zebedee looked with displeasure on the calling of his two sons? or was there variance between the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law in the household of Peter? Were the brethren of the Lord, who as yet believed not, as the foes of a man's own household? Verse 35. - Parallel passage: Luke 12:53 (cf. supra, vers. 21, 22). For Iam come;I came (Revised Version). Notice the threefold η΅λθον. Christ would leave in his hearers' minds no room for thinking that he was ignorant of what the immediate result of his coming would be. To. A mere infinitive, not even with τοῦ, much less ἵνα with subject. The result is not in any sense the final cause of his coming. Set a man at variance against ( διχάσαι...κατὰ). By the preposition is implied enmity, by the verb complete severance. For relation to God is the great line of cleavage, and that not only in God's sight, but in outcome of character. His father. From this word till the end of ver. 36 our Lord adopts Micah's ( Micah 7:6) description of a general time of distrust for his own picture of the discord introduced by his coming. The wording is hardly taken from the LXX.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I have comeἦλθον(ēlthon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.to turnδιχάσαι(dichasai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1369:To cut asunder; met: I set at variance, make to be hostile. From a derivative of dis; to make apart, i.e. Sunder.‘A manἌνθρωπον(Anthrōpon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.againstκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.father,πατρὸς(patros)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.a daughterθυγατέρα(thygatera)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2364:Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.againstκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).herαὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.mother,μητρὸς(mētros)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3384:A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'.a 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.againstκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).herαὐτῆς(autēs)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.mother-in-law.πενθερᾶς(pentheras)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3994:A mother-in-law. Feminine of pentheros; a wife's mother.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 10:35 For I came to set a man (Matt. Mat Mt) |
