Luke 12:52
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 17
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νῦν
henceforth
G3568
νῦν
henceforth
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
5 of 17
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
οἴκῳ
house
G3624
οἴκῳ
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
8 of 17
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
διαμεμερισμένοι
divided
G1266
διαμεμερισμένοι
divided
Strong's:
G1266
Word #:
10 of 17
to partition thoroughly (literally in distribution, figuratively in dissension)
ἐπὶ
against
G1909
ἐπὶ
against
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Historical Context
First-century Mediterranean culture was thoroughly collectivist—family identity, honor, and solidarity trumped individual choice. Conversion to Christ often meant family ostracism, disinheritance, persecution. Jesus's warning prepared disciples for this reality. Early Christian martyrologies document families betraying Christian members to authorities.
Questions for Reflection
- Has following Jesus created division in your family—how do you navigate loyalty to Christ versus family peace?
- How does this passage challenge cultural Christianity that never costs anything relational or social?
- What does it mean practically to 'hate' father and mother (14:26) while honoring parents (Exodus 20:12)?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three (ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν)—Jesus specifies the division's locus: en heni oikō (in one house). The household (oikos), Judaism's foundational social unit, fractures over Christ. The numbers (five, three/two) indicate minority/majority splits within families. Diamerizō (divided) describes permanent separation, not temporary disagreement.
This fulfills Micah 7:6: 'a man's enemies are the men of his own house'—Jesus quotes this in Matthew 10:35-36. The gospel's offense isn't merely theological but relational, demanding loyalty to Christ above family. In cultures prioritizing family honor and cohesion, this teaching was revolutionary and costly.