Luke 14:26

If 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.

If any {G1536} man come {G2064} to {G4314} me {G3165}, and {G2532} hate {G3404} not {G3756} his {G1438} father {G3962}, and {G2532} mother {G3384}, and {G2532} wife {G1135}, and {G2532} children {G5043}, and {G2532} brethren {G80}, and {G2532} sisters {G79}, yea {G2089}, and {G1161} his own {G1438} life {G5590} also {G2532}, he cannot {G3756}{G1410} be {G1511} my {G3450} disciple {G3101}.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, his mother, his wife, his children, his brothers and his sisters, yes, and his own life besides, he cannot be my talmid.

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.

If any man cometh unto me, and hateth not his own father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

Commentary

Luke 14:26 presents one of Jesus' most challenging and often misunderstood statements regarding the demands of true discipleship. Addressed to large crowds following Him, this verse underscores the radical commitment required to follow Christ.

Context

This verse is part of a series of teachings in Luke 14 where Jesus outlines the rigorous nature of following Him. He has just taught about humility at a feast and the importance of inviting the poor to banquets. He then pivots to the cost of discipleship, using parables like the man building a tower and a king going to war (Luke 14:28-33), which precede and reinforce the message of Luke 14:26. Jesus was not merely seeking admirers but committed followers who understood the profound implications of their choice.

Linguistic Insights: "Hate Not"

The phrase "hate not" (οὐ μισεῖ, ou misei) is a prime example of a Semitic idiom, particularly hyperbole, used to express a strong contrast or comparative priority. In ancient Hebrew and Aramaic thought, "to hate" could mean "to love less" or "to prefer one thing over another." It does not imply actual malice or animosity towards family members or oneself. Instead, it emphasizes that one's love and allegiance to Jesus Christ must be so absolute that, in comparison, love for even the dearest earthly relationships or one's own life seems like "hate." This concept is clarified in parallel passages, such as Matthew 10:37, which states, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." The core message is one of supreme devotion.

Key Themes

  • Absolute Priority of Christ: The primary message is that Jesus demands the supreme place in a disciple's life. No earthly relationship, no matter how sacred, and no personal ambition can take precedence over devotion to Him. This foundational principle is central to Christian faith.
  • Radical Discipleship and Cost: Following Jesus is not a casual decision but a call to radical commitment. It implies a willingness to forsake anything that hinders one's devotion to Him, even if it means potential conflict with family or personal desires. This echoes the call to take up one's cross daily and follow Him.
  • Self-Denial: The inclusion of "yea, and his own life also" extends the demand beyond family relationships to personal comfort, security, and even self-preservation. True discipleship involves a profound act of self-denial and a readiness to surrender everything to God's will.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 14:26 serves as a powerful reminder of where our ultimate allegiance must lie. It does not advocate for literal hatred or abandonment of family, as Christianity profoundly values family relationships (Ephesians 5:25, Colossians 3:20). Instead, it challenges us to examine our priorities. Are we willing to choose Christ when our relationships, careers, comforts, or personal desires conflict with His call? This verse compels us to cultivate a love for Christ so profound that all other loves are secondary, ensuring that our devotion to Him is unwavering and uncompromised.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 10:37 (79 votes)

    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.

  • John 12:25 (61 votes)

    He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

  • Philippians 3:8 (39 votes)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

  • Acts 20:24 (32 votes)

    But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

  • Psalms 73:25 (28 votes)

    Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

  • Psalms 73:26 (28 votes)

    My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

  • Revelation 12:11 (26 votes)

    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.