Matthew 10:35

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Matthew 10:35 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For 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:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For 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:
Matthew 10:35 — American Standard Version

Context — Matthew 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For I am come to set a man at variance against, etc.] Or “to divide a man from his father”. Here our Lord opens and explains what he means by the sword, intestine divisions, domestic broils, family differences, as well as such as appear in towns, cities, and kingdoms, which are exemplified by other instances following; and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law: the case is this, a father believing in Christ, embracing his Gospel, and submitting to his institutions, is contradicted, opposed, and persecuted by his own son, and a mother by her own daughter; in both which relations, natural affection knit them together; and the mother-in-law by her…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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--(See on Luk 12:51).”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Think not that I am come ... - This is taken from Micah 7:6. Christ did not here mean to say that the object of his coming was to produce discord and contention, for he was the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 11:6; Luke 2:14; but he means to say that such would be one of the effects of his coming. One part of a family that was opposed to Him would set themselves against those who believed in him. The wickedness of men, and not the religion of the gospel, is the cause of this hostility. It is unnecessary to say that no prophecy has been more strikingly fulfilled; and it will continue to be fulfilled until all unite in obeying his commandments. Then his religion will produce universal…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 10:21, Mat 24:10; Mic 7:5; Mar 13:12; Luk 21:16 Matthew 10:36”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification