Matthew 10:35

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

ἦλθον I am come G2064
ἦλθον I am come
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 1 of 20
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 20
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
διχάσαι at variance G1369
διχάσαι at variance
Strong's: G1369
Word #: 3 of 20
to make apart, i.e., sunder (figuratively, alienate)
ἄνθρωπον a man G444
ἄνθρωπον a man
Strong's: G444
Word #: 4 of 20
man-faced, i.e., a human being
κατὰ against G2596
κατὰ against
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 5 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς father G3962
πατρὸς father
Strong's: G3962
Word #: 7 of 20
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὐτῆς her G846
αὐτῆς her
Strong's: G846
Word #: 8 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 9 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θυγατέρα the daughter G2364
θυγατέρα the daughter
Strong's: G2364
Word #: 10 of 20
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
κατὰ against G2596
κατὰ against
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 11 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μητρὸς mother G3384
μητρὸς mother
Strong's: G3384
Word #: 13 of 20
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτῆς her G846
αὐτῆς her
Strong's: G846
Word #: 14 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
νύμφην the daughter in law G3565
νύμφην the daughter in law
Strong's: G3565
Word #: 16 of 20
a young married woman (as veiled), including a betrothed girl; by implication, a son's wife
κατὰ against G2596
κατὰ against
Strong's: G2596
Word #: 17 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πενθερᾶς mother in law G3994
πενθερᾶς mother in law
Strong's: G3994
Word #: 19 of 20
a wife's mother
αὐτῆς her G846
αὐτῆς her
Strong's: G846
Word #: 20 of 20
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Analysis & Commentary

Christ continues: '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.' This echoes Micah 7:6, connecting Jesus's ministry to prophetic expectations of messianic upheaval. The threefold division encompasses the entire household structure. The verb 'set at variance' (διχάσαι/dichasai) means to divide in two, to cause dissension. This isn't Jesus's desire but the inevitable result of His truth claims in a fallen world. Reformed theology recognizes this as reflecting the radical nature of conversion—regeneration creates new affections and loyalties that supersede natural ties. Following Christ may mean losing the approval, support, and presence of those closest to us.

Historical Context

Micah 7:6 described social breakdown in judgment-era Israel when covenant unfaithfulness corrupted even family relationships. Jesus applies this prophecy to His own ministry, suggesting His coming precipitates a similar crisis of loyalty. In honor-shame cultures like first-century Palestine, family harmony was paramount—individual identity was subsumed in collective family identity. Conversion to Christianity often meant betraying family honor. Jewish converts faced formal disownment through declaration 'You are dead to us.' The Talmud records rabbinical discussions of how to treat Jewish apostates, including provisions for their effective legal death.

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