Matthew 10:37
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.
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φιλῶν
He that loveth
G5368
φιλῶν
He that loveth
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
2 of 23
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
πατέρα
father
G3962
πατέρα
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
3 of 23
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
μητέρα
mother
G3384
μητέρα
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
5 of 23
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
ὑπὲρ
more than
G5228
ὑπὲρ
more than
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
6 of 23
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ἄξιος·
worthy
G514
ἄξιος·
worthy
Strong's:
G514
Word #:
11 of 23
deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φιλῶν
He that loveth
G5368
φιλῶν
He that loveth
Strong's:
G5368
Word #:
14 of 23
to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e., have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling;
υἱὸν
son
G5207
υἱὸν
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 23
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
θυγατέρα
daughter
G2364
θυγατέρα
daughter
Strong's:
G2364
Word #:
17 of 23
a female child, or (by hebraism) descendant (or inhabitant)
ὑπὲρ
more than
G5228
ὑπὲρ
more than
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
18 of 23
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
Cross References
Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.Matthew 22:37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.Deuteronomy 33:9Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant.Luke 21:36Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.Matthew 22:8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, family honor and obligation were paramount. Jesus' words would shock hearers by demanding loyalty beyond family. This doesn't abolish the fifth commandment but subordinates all relationships to Christ. Many early believers faced family persecution for following Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' demand for supreme loyalty challenge your family relationships?
- What relationships compete with your devotion to Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' statement 'He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me' demands supreme loyalty. Family ties, humanity's strongest natural bonds, must not rival devotion to Christ. This isn't commanding hatred of family but prioritizing Christ above all relationships. The phrase 'not worthy' means unfit or unqualified for discipleship. Following Jesus requires Him to be Lord of every relationship, even the most precious.