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;

Berean Annotated 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.

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.

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;
Majority Text Translations
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.

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 ...



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
For I have come to turn

Luke 12:51
Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division.

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

Luke 2:34
Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
‘a man against his father,

2 Samuel 15:10
Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’”

1 Kings 1:5-6
At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith, began to exalt himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he acquired chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run ahead of him. / (His father had never once reprimanded him by saying, “Why do you act this way?” Adonijah was also very handsome, born next after Absalom.)

Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.
a daughter against her mother,

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.

2 Timothy 3:2-3
For 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,

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.
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

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 12:53
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.”

Ruth 1:14-17
Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law goodbye, but Ruth clung to her. / “Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; follow her back home.” / But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. …
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.’

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.


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

Jesus’ coming brings a division—“turn” can mean to set at variance or separate—that results when people respond differently to His authority. His message demands loyalty to Him above every competing allegiance, and that commitment can expose opposition even among those closest to one another.

Luk 12:51 Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?…
Jhn 7:43 So there was division in the crowd because of Jesus.
Luk 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary:…

‘a man against his father,

In a society where family honor and loyalty shaped a person’s identity, division between father and son carried serious consequences. A man who followed Christ could face rejection from his own household when faith in Jesus conflicted with family expectations.

2Sa 15:10 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel…
1Ki 1:5-6 At that time Adonijah, David’s son by Haggith,…
Luk 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father”…

a daughter against her mother,

A daughter’s devotion to Christ could likewise separate her from the traditions and beliefs passed down within the home. The gospel forms a new spiritual family centered on obedience to Christ, sometimes placing believers at odds with relatives.

Mrk 13:12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father…
2Ti 3:2-3 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money…
Luk 21:16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers…

a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.

Tensions within extended families could deepen when members differed over Jesus’ identity and claims. Discipleship affects every relationship, requiring believers to remain faithful to Christ even when that faithfulness brings conflict within the household.

Mic 7:6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises…
Luk 12:53 They will be divided, father against son…
Rut 1:14-17 Again they wept aloud, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law…

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.
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?


(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.

Matthew 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.

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.


Additonal Resources
Matthew 10:35 Blue Letter Bible
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NT Gospels: Matthew 10:35 For I came to set a man (Matt. Mat Mt)

Matthew 10:34
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