Matthew 10:37
What does Matthew 10:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 10:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 10:37 means
Jesus declares with absolute clarity the supreme requirement for discipleship: "He 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." This radical statement demands a love for Christ that surpasses even the deepest, most natural human affections. It is not a call to hate family, but to prioritize love for Jesus above all else, making Him the absolute center of one's devotion. Only those willing to place Christ first, even if it means strained family relationships, are truly worthy to be His followers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who has more love for his father or mother than for me is not good enough for me; he who has more love for son or daughter than for me is not good enough for me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`He who is loving father or mother above me, is not worthy of me, and he who is loving son or daughter above me, is not worthy of me,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He who loves father or mother above me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter above me is not worthy of me.
Context
This verse delivers the ultimate demand for prioritizing allegiance to Christ, immediately following the warnings about familial division and hostility. It clarifies that true discipleship means an absolute and supreme love for Jesus above all other human relationships. This radical demand for affection is then immediately paired with the demand for self-sacrificial commitment, using the powerful imagery of the cross.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:5
which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:
- Luke 21:36
But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
- John 21:15
So when they had broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
- Matthew 22:8
Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they that were bidden were not worthy.
- Luke 14:26
If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
- Luke 20:35
but they that are accounted worthy to attain to that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
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