Matthew 10:21

KJV

And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against [their] parents, and cause them to be put to death.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the brother {G80} shall deliver up {G3860} the brother {G80} to {G1519} death {G2288}, and {G2532} the father {G3962} the child {G5043}: and {G2532} the children {G5043} shall rise up {G1881} against {G1909} their parents {G1118}, and {G2532} cause {G2289} them {G846} to be put to death {G2289}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A brother will betray his brother to death, and a father his child; children will turn against their parents and have them put to death.

Berean Standard Bible

Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.

American Standard Version

And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 10:21 delivers a stark and prophetic warning from Jesus to His disciples, revealing the extreme and intimate nature of the persecution they would face for His name. It foretells an unimaginable level of betrayal and division, even within the closest family units—brother against brother, father against child, and children rising against parents—culminating in death. This verse underscores the profound and devastating cost of authentic discipleship in a world hostile to Christ, emphasizing that loyalty to Him must transcend even the most sacred human bonds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' extensive "Missionary Discourse" in [Matthew 10](/matthew/10 "Matthew 10 - The Missionary Discourse"), where He commissions His twelve apostles and provides them with crucial instructions and warnings for their impending ministry. Following His empowerment of them for healing and casting out demons ([Matthew 10:1](/matthew/10-1 "Matthew 10:1 - Jesus empowers the apostles")), Jesus immediately shifts to preparing them for the intense opposition they will encounter. He warns them of being "sheep in the midst of wolves" ([Matthew 10:16](/matthew/10-16 "Matthew 10:16 - Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves")), facing arrest and trials before civil and religious authorities ([Matthew 10:17-18](/matthew/10-17-18 "Matthew 10:17-18 - Persecution and Witness")), and being hated by all for His name's sake ([Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Hated for My Name's Sake")). Verse 21 escalates the severity of this opposition, detailing the horrifying prospect of familial betrayal leading to death, setting the stage for further warnings about the cost of discipleship and the necessity of enduring to the end.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, family bonds were paramount, forming the bedrock of social, economic, and religious life. Loyalty to one's family, especially parents, was a foundational virtue, deeply ingrained through the Fifth Commandment to "honor your father and your mother" ([Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment")). Betrayal within the family unit was considered a profound violation of natural law and social order. Jesus' prophecy in [Matthew 10:21](/matthew/10-21 "Matthew 10:21 - Familial Betrayal") would have been particularly shocking and counter-cultural, challenging the very fabric of societal expectations. It foreshadows a time when allegiance to Christ would supersede all earthly loyalties, creating an unprecedented divide within households. This was not merely a prediction of social ostracization but of active, lethal hostility, reflecting the Roman Empire's intolerance for any competing allegiances, especially those that challenged the state's authority or traditional pagan worship. The early church's history, as recorded in [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts"), bears witness to the fulfillment of these warnings, with believers often facing persecution initiated or supported by their own kin.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Jesus demands absolute allegiance, potentially at the expense of even the most cherished human relationships. This theme is further developed in Jesus' subsequent statements about taking up one's cross ([Matthew 10:38](/matthew/10-38 "Matthew 10:38 - Take Up Your Cross")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Intense Persecution and Betrayal** that true followers of Christ will inevitably face. This is not a passive opposition but an active, life-threatening animosity, often from unexpected sources. Thirdly, the verse speaks directly to the theme of **Familial Division for Christ's Sake**. This echoes Jesus' earlier, provocative declaration that He came not to bring peace, but a sword, specifically referring to the profound divisions that His message would cause within households ([Matthew 10:34-36](/matthew/10-34-36 "Matthew 10:34-36 - Jesus Brings Division")). This theme is also prophetically anticipated in the Old Testament, such as in [Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - Family Division Prophecy"), where the prophet laments a time when "a man's enemies are the men of his own house."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **deliver up (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This word (G3860) means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to intrust," or "to transmit." Crucially, it is the same verb used to describe Judas's betrayal of Jesus to the authorities ([Matthew 26:15](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Betrayal")). Its use here emphasizes the profound act of treachery and abandonment that would occur within families, directly leading to the death of loved ones because of their faith. It denotes an active handing over, not merely a passive separation.
* **rise up against (Greek, _epanístamai'_):** This verb (G1881) is a middle voice compound from `epí` (upon) and `anístamai` (to stand up), literally meaning "to stand up on." Figuratively, as used here, it means "to attack." It implies an aggressive, hostile posture, indicating that the children will not merely disagree with their parents but will actively oppose and assault them, leading to their demise. This highlights the active and violent nature of the familial conflict.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_); cause them to be put to death (Greek, _thanatóō'_):** The noun `thánatos` (G2288) refers to physical death, while the verb `thanatóō` (G2289) means "to kill" or "to cause to be put to death." The repetition and pairing of these terms underscore the ultimate, lethal consequence of this familial betrayal. It is not merely a social or emotional breach, but a literal act of murder, emphasizing the extreme hatred that would motivate such actions against one's own kin for the sake of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death":** This phrase immediately establishes the shocking level of betrayal. "Brother" here signifies not just a sibling, but a close kinsman or fellow human being. The act of "delivering up" (paradídōmi) implies a deliberate act of handing over, akin to a legal or judicial process, leading directly to the ultimate penalty: death. This highlights the profound violation of natural affection and loyalty.
* **"and the father the child":** The betrayal escalates to the foundational family unit. A father, traditionally a protector and provider, is depicted as surrendering his own child to death. This is an inversion of the natural order and a stark illustration of how radical allegiance to Christ would disrupt even the most sacred parental bonds.
* **"and the children shall rise up against [their] parents":** This clause further deepens the horror, showing the rebellion and aggression of the younger generation against their elders. "Rise up against" (epanístamai) suggests an active, hostile confrontation, a direct challenge to authority and respect that was deeply ingrained in Jewish culture.
* **"and cause them to be put to death":** The ultimate outcome of this internal family strife is explicitly stated: the children will be instrumental in the execution of their own parents. This final phrase leaves no ambiguity about the severity and lethality of the persecution, driven by an anti-Christ spirit that infiltrates the very heart of the family.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 10:21 is rich in **Hyperbole** and **Antithesis**, used to convey the extreme nature of the impending persecution. While the passage describes literal events that would occur, the graphic portrayal of such intimate betrayal serves to shock the audience and emphasize the radical demands of discipleship. The **Antithesis** is evident in the reversal of natural familial roles: those who should protect (parents, siblings) become betrayers, and those who should honor (children) become persecutors. This creates a powerful sense of disorder and moral inversion. The repetition of "brother...brother," "father...child," and "children...parents" employs **Parallelism** to build intensity and demonstrate the pervasive nature of this division across all familial relationships. The stark, direct language also contributes to a sense of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the disciples for the severe trials ahead and reinforcing the absolute commitment required to follow Jesus.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 10:21 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and the cost of allegiance to Christ. It reveals that the Kingdom of God, while bringing ultimate peace, often introduces conflict and division in the present age, especially for those who truly commit to its King. This verse challenges the notion that faith will always lead to social harmony, instead highlighting that genuine faith can provoke intense opposition, even from those closest to us. It underscores that ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ alone, a truth that might necessitate breaking with traditional loyalties when they conflict with divine truth. This radical call to prioritize God above all human relationships, even familial ones, is a recurring theme in Jesus' teaching, emphasizing the absolute and exclusive claim He has on His followers' lives.

* [Mark 13:12](/mark/13-12 "Mark 13:12 - Familial Betrayal in the End Times")
* [Luke 21:16](/luke/21-16 "Luke 21:16 - Betrayal by Family and Friends")
* [Micah 7:6](/micah/7-6 "Micah 7:6 - A Man's Enemies Are His Own Household")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 10:21, though a sobering prophecy of extreme persecution, offers timeless principles for believers today. It calls us to a profound self-examination of our priorities: is our allegiance to Christ truly supreme, or are there other loyalties—family, social acceptance, personal comfort—that might take precedence when faith is challenged? While most believers in the Western world may not face literal death at the hands of family, the verse vividly illustrates the potential for relational strain, ridicule, or ostracization when one's commitment to Christ stands in stark contrast to the values of loved ones. This passage encourages us to count the cost of discipleship, to be prepared for the possibility of misunderstanding or rejection, and to cultivate a deep-seated resolve to follow Jesus regardless of the social or familial consequences. It reminds us that our ultimate identity and belonging are found in Christ, empowering us to endure faithfully even when facing the most intimate forms of opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my commitment to Christ create tension or division within my own family or social circles today?**
* **What "costs" of discipleship am I currently experiencing or might I anticipate, and how am I preparing my heart to bear them?**
* **How does this verse challenge my understanding of loyalty, and where do I need to re-align my ultimate allegiance to Christ?**
* **How can I maintain a loving yet firm witness to Christ, even when facing opposition from those I care about most?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean that all Christian families will experience such severe division and betrayal?**

Answer: No, [Matthew 10:21](/matthew/10-21 "Matthew 10:21 - Familial Betrayal") is a prophetic warning of the *potential* for extreme persecution, particularly relevant for the disciples in their initial mission and for believers throughout history, especially in contexts hostile to the Gospel. It highlights the *ultimate* cost some may pay and the radical nature of Christ's call. While not every Christian family will face literal betrayal leading to death, the verse underscores that following Jesus can and often does create spiritual and relational divides, as allegiance to Christ may conflict with worldly values or expectations within a family. Jesus Himself stated He came "not to send peace, but a sword" ([Matthew 10:34](/matthew/10-34 "Matthew 10:34 - Jesus Brings a Sword")), referring to the division His message would cause.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 10:21, while a dire prophecy for His followers, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life and passion of Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Brother who was "delivered up" ([paradídōmi](/matthew/26-15 "Matthew 26:15 - Judas's Betrayal")) to death by His own people and by one of His closest disciples, Judas, for the salvation of the world. Just as the verse foretells familial betrayal, Jesus experienced the ultimate rejection from His own, coming "unto his own, and his own received him not" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")). He was betrayed by a "friend" ([Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")), condemned by the religious "fathers" of His nation, and ultimately put to death by those who should have recognized Him as their Messiah. His suffering, including the profound loneliness and abandonment He faced on the cross, embodies the very essence of the betrayal and death foretold in this verse. Therefore, when believers endure such familial opposition for Christ's sake, they are not merely suffering *for* Him, but suffering *with* Him, participating in the fellowship of His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - The Fellowship of His Sufferings")), knowing that He has already walked this path of ultimate betrayal and sacrifice to secure their eternal life.

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

Luke 21:16

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and [some] of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Luke 21:17

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake.

Micah 7:5

Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.

Micah 7:6

For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies [are] the men of his own house.

Mark 13:12

Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against [their] parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

Mark 13:13

And ye shall be hated of all [men] for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Luke 12:51

Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: