Devine Scripture

Matthew 10:36

What does Matthew 10:36 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 10:36 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 10:36 means

Following the specific examples of familial division, Jesus concludes this thought with the sobering truth: "and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household." This emphasizes the painful reality that the bitterest opposition to faith in Christ may come from one's closest relations. It's a poignant warning that loyalty to Jesus can be profoundly isolating, even within the family unit. This highlights the absolute nature of discipleship, demanding a primary allegiance to Christ that may alienate even those one loves most dearly, thereby requiring a radical reorientation of one's priorities and affections.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And a man will be hated by those of his house.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the enemies of a man are those of his household.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and they of his household [shall be] a man's enemies.

Context

Concluding the specific examples of familial conflict due to allegiance to Christ, this verse offers a summary statement emphasizing the intense personal cost of discipleship. It directly prepares the disciples for the severe test of loyalty, which then leads into Jesus' explicit demand for supreme love for Him, surpassing even the love for one's closest family members.

v.35For 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:

v.36This passage

v.37He 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.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Jeremiah 12:6

    For even thy brethren, and the house of thy father, even they have dealt treacherously with thee; even they have cried aloud after thee: believe them not, though they speak fair words unto thee.

  • Psalms 41:9

    Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, Who did eat of my bread, Hath lifted up his heel against me.

  • Micah 7:6

    For the son dishonoreth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.

  • Genesis 37:17

    And the man said, They are departed hence; for I heard them say, Let us go to Dothan. And Joseph went after his brethren, and found them in Dothan.

  • 2 Samuel 16:11

    And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him.

  • Psalms 55:13

    But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend.

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