Matthew 10:35
New International Version
For 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 Version
For 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
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.

New King James Version
For 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
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;

Amplified Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Version
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:

Contemporary English Version
I came to turn sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, and daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law.

English Revised Version
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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I came to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Good News Translation
I came to set sons against their fathers, daughters against their mothers, daughters-in-law against their mothers-in-law;

International Standard Version
I came to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Majority Standard Bible
For I have come to turn ?a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

NET Bible
For 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 Bible
For 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 Translation
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.

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;

World English Bible
For 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 Version
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,

Berean Literal Bible
For 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 Translation
For 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 Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For 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 Bible
For 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 Version
For 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 Bible
For 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 English
I 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 Testament
For 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 Testament
For 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 Gospel
34Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35For I have come to turn ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. 36A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’…

Cross References
Micah 7:6
For 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 12:51-53
Do 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 10:21
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

Matthew 10:36
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

Mark 13:12
Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

Luke 21:16
You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.

John 7:43
So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.

John 9:16
Because 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 10:19
Again there was division among the Jews because of Jesus’ message.

Acts 14:4
The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.

Acts 23:7
As soon as he had said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

1 Corinthians 7:12-16
To 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 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Hebrews 4:12
For 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 11:37-38
They 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 against their 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.

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Matthew 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 turn
This 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 echoes Micah 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 Christ
The speaker of this verse, Jesus is addressing His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they will face as His followers.

2. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who are called to follow Him.

3. Family Members
The 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 Jesus
The broader context of Jesus' mission on earth, which includes bringing truth and salvation, even if it causes division.

5. Cultural Context
The Jewish cultural setting where family ties were of utmost importance, making the statement particularly striking.
Teaching Points
The Cost of Discipleship
Following 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 Ties
Our ultimate loyalty is to Jesus, which may require difficult choices when family members oppose our faith.

Understanding Division as a Sign of Faithfulness
Division 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 Members
Believers should pray for their family members, seeking reconciliation and salvation for those who oppose the faith.

Endurance in Trials
Believers are called to endure trials, including familial opposition, with grace and love, trusting in God's ultimate plan.(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 I am 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
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I have come
ἦλθον (ēlthon)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to turn
διχάσαι (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 man
Ἄνθρωπον (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.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

his
αὐτοῦ (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 daughter
θυγατέρα (thygatera)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2364: Apparently a primary word; a female child, or descendant.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

her
αὐτῆς (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-law
νύμφην (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.

against
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

her
αὐτῆς (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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