Luke 12:52

KJV

For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} from {G575} henceforth {G3568} there shall be {G2071} five {G4002} in {G1722} one {G1520} house {G3624} divided {G1266}, three {G5140} against {G1909} two {G1417}, and {G2532} two {G1417} against {G1909} three {G5140}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For from now on, a household of five will be divided, three against two, two against three.

Berean Standard Bible

From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three.

American Standard Version

for there shall be from henceforth five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 12:52 presents a stark and challenging declaration from Jesus, illustrating the profound and often divisive impact His message would have, even within the most intimate social unit: the household. Far from bringing an immediate, worldly peace, Jesus foretells a spiritual conflict so intense that it would cleave families, setting members against one another based on their response to His truth. This verse underscores the radical demands of discipleship and the ultimate allegiance required by the Kingdom of God, which can supersede even the strongest familial bonds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a significant discourse by Jesus concerning the urgency and cost of discipleship. It immediately follows His declaration in [Luke 12:49](/luke/12-49 "Luke 12:49 - Jesus Brings Fire") that He came to "send fire on the earth" – a metaphor for judgment and the purifying, transformative power of His message. He then speaks of a "baptism" He must undergo, referring to His impending suffering and death, and the intense distress He feels until it is accomplished ([Luke 12:50](/luke/12-50 "Luke 12:50 - Jesus' Baptism of Suffering")). The preceding verse, [Luke 12:51](/luke/12-51 "Luke 12:51 - Not Peace, But Division"), directly sets the stage for our verse, explicitly stating, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division." Luke 12:52 then serves as the vivid, numerical, and deeply personal illustration of this predicted division, specifying its manifestation within the most fundamental social unit: the household. It is a concrete example of the "fire" and "division" Jesus just spoke of.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the family unit (the "house" or _oikos_) was the foundational pillar of identity, security, and social structure. Loyalty to one's family, clan, and tribe was paramount, often superseding individual allegiances. Family honor, economic stability, and social standing were inextricably linked to the household. To speak of division within such a unit, especially one instigated by a religious or spiritual allegiance, was profoundly counter-cultural and shocking. It implied a disruption of the most sacred and unbreakable bonds. Jesus' words would have been understood as a radical challenge to the prevailing social order, demanding an allegiance that transcended even the deepest blood ties. This context highlights the revolutionary nature of the Gospel and its demand for ultimate loyalty to God over all human institutions, even the family.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 12:52 contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout Luke's Gospel and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores the **Divisive Nature of Truth**. Jesus' message, while offering ultimate peace with God, does not promise immediate social harmony. Instead, it exposes allegiances and creates a dividing line between those who accept Him and those who reject Him, even within the closest relationships. Secondly, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship**. Following Christ demands ultimate loyalty, which can, at times, lead to conflict with traditional family ties. This emphasizes that true discipleship sometimes requires a [radical reordering of allegiances](/luke/14-26 "Luke 14:26 - The Cost of Discipleship"), placing Christ above all else, even if it means experiencing familial alienation. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the tension between **Spiritual and Familial Loyalty**. It vividly portrays the potential for the Gospel to disrupt the most fundamental social structures, where family loyalty was paramount. The "three against two, and two against three" illustrates this internal household strife, making it a profound statement about the [disruptive power of the Gospel](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Jesus Brings a Sword").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves as a conjunction, properly assigning a reason or providing an explanation. Here, it introduces the specific illustration of the division that Jesus has just declared He came to bring. It signals that what follows is a concrete example and justification for His preceding statement about not bringing peace but division.
* **henceforth (Greek, _nŷn'_):** While often meaning "now," _nŷn_ here carries the sense of "from this point forward" or "immediately." It emphasizes the imminent and ongoing nature of the division Jesus is describing. It's not a distant prophecy but a present reality that will unfold as His ministry progresses and His message takes root.
* **divided (Greek, _diamerízō'_):** Derived from _dia_ (through, apart) and _merízō_ (to divide, to share), this verb means "to partition thoroughly," implying a complete separation or distribution. It can refer to literal partitioning (like clothes) or, as here, figurative dissension and schism. The perfective aspect of _dia_ intensifies the notion of division, suggesting a deep, pervasive, and complete cleaving, not merely a superficial disagreement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided":** Jesus introduces the specific scenario, emphasizing that from this point forward, His message will cause a thorough partitioning within the most intimate social unit – the household. The number "five" is likely illustrative, representing a typical family unit, and the phrase "in one house" highlights the close proximity of those who will be divided. The division is not external but internal to the family.
* **"three against two, and two against three":** This numerical illustration vividly portrays the nature and extent of the division. It is not a literal mathematical formula but a rhetorical device emphasizing that the conflict will be pervasive and unpredictable, cutting across traditional loyalties. It signifies a complete breakdown of unity, where even small factions within a family would be set against each other due to differing responses to Jesus' message. It underscores the idea that no matter the size or composition of the family, the Gospel's demand for allegiance will create a schism.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 12:52 employs several potent literary devices to convey its challenging message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the stark numerical example of "three against two, and two against three." While not a literal prediction of every household's precise division, it serves to exaggerate the reality to emphasize the extreme nature of the spiritual conflict Jesus' coming would unleash within families. This is reinforced by **Symbolism**, where the numbers "three" and "two" are not meant to be arithmetically precise but rather to symbolize opposing factions within a single unit, illustrating a complete and pervasive breakdown of familial unity. The entire passage functions as **Foreshadowing**, predicting the future social upheaval and personal cost that would accompany the spread of the Gospel. It serves as a warning and preparation for the disciples regarding the profound societal impact of their mission, which would not always be met with peace, but often with intense opposition and division.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 12:52 powerfully articulates a profound theological truth: the Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus, demands an exclusive and ultimate allegiance that transcends all earthly loyalties, even those as fundamental as family bonds. This is not a call for gratuitous conflict, but an acknowledgment that the radical truth of the Gospel, in its demand for repentance and faith, will inevitably expose and challenge pre-existing allegiances and worldviews. The division Jesus speaks of is not His primary purpose, but a necessary consequence of His mission to establish God's reign in human hearts. It highlights the spiritual battle inherent in choosing Christ, where the light of truth exposes the darkness, leading to a separation between those who embrace it and those who resist. Ultimately, this division serves to clarify true allegiance, revealing where one's ultimate loyalty lies: with the fleeting comforts of human relationships or the eternal call of God's Kingdom.

* [Matthew 10:34-37](/matthew/10-34-37 "Matthew 10:34-37 - Jesus Brings a Sword, Not Peace")
* [Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - Family Strife Prophesied")
* [John 7:43](/john/7-43 "John 7:43 - Division Among the People Because of Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 12:52 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as both a warning and an encouragement. It challenges the common misconception that following Jesus will always lead to an easy, harmonious life, especially within one's immediate social circles. Instead, it prepares us for the reality that our commitment to Christ may, at times, create tension, misunderstanding, or even outright opposition from those we love most, precisely because the Gospel demands a reorientation of our deepest loyalties. This verse calls us to examine the true depth of our commitment: are we willing to prioritize Christ and His Kingdom above all else, even when it means standing apart from familial expectations or cultural norms? It reminds us that the Gospel is not merely a comforting message but a transformative, disruptive force that calls for radical allegiance and a willingness to count the cost. In a world that often prioritizes familial unity above all, this passage compels us to remember that our ultimate family is the family of God, and our ultimate allegiance belongs to its Head.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have I experienced or anticipated division in my relationships because of my faith in Christ?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of "peace" and the nature of the Gospel's impact on society?**
* **Am I prepared to prioritize my allegiance to Christ even when it conflicts with the expectations or desires of my closest family members? What might that look like practically?**
* **How can I still demonstrate love and respect to family members who do not share my faith, even in the face of division?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse encourage family conflict or breaking family ties?**

Answer: No, Luke 12:52 does not encourage believers to intentionally create conflict or abandon their families. Instead, it is a prophetic warning from Jesus about the *inevitable consequence* of His truth on a fallen world. The division arises not from the believer's desire for strife, but from the radical nature of the Gospel's demands, which necessitate a primary allegiance to God that may expose differing values and beliefs within a household. Jesus Himself consistently taught love, even for enemies, and honored family (e.g., [John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother")). The division is a byproduct of the Gospel's power to reveal and separate, not its intended outcome. Believers are called to live out their faith faithfully, which might, unfortunately, lead to familial tension, but they are also called to be peacemakers and to love their neighbors, including family members ([Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably With All")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Luke 12:52 speaks of division, it ultimately points to the Christ-centered fulfillment of a new, spiritual family united in Him. Jesus, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, did not come to merely divide, but to gather a people for Himself, creating a new humanity reconciled to God. The "fire" He came to send, though initially divisive, is ultimately the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit that refines and transforms. The division within earthly households foreshadows the greater spiritual separation between those who are "in Christ" and those who are not, a separation that culminates in the eternal destiny of humanity. Yet, for those who choose Him, the very act of placing Christ above all earthly ties leads them into a deeper, unbreakable bond with God and with fellow believers, forming the [church, the household of God](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"). This new family, united by faith in the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), transcends all earthly divisions, demonstrating the ultimate peace and unity found only in Christ, who [breaks down every dividing wall](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Dividing Walls") for those who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:1

¶ And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

Acts 14:4

But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

John 15:18

¶ If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you.

John 15:21

But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

John 9:16

Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

John 10:19

¶ There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

John 10:21

Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?