Matthew 10:21

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.

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}.

"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.

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

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.

Matthew 10:21 presents a stark and sobering warning from Jesus to His disciples concerning the intense opposition they would face for His name's sake. This verse foretells a horrifying level of betrayal and division, even within the closest family units, where love and loyalty are expected to be strongest. It underscores the profound cost of following Christ in a hostile world, painting a picture of extreme persecution leading to death, orchestrated by those who should be most protective.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' extensive discourse in Matthew chapter 10, where He commissions and instructs His twelve disciples as He sent them out for their first mission. Following warnings about being "sheep in the midst of wolves" (Matthew 10:16) and being brought before governors and kings (Matthew 10:18), Jesus reveals the depth of the antagonism they would encounter. The warning in verse 21 escalates the severity, indicating that commitment to Him could lead to profound hatred and persecution from within one's own household. This echoes a similar warning found in Mark 13:12 and Luke 21:16, indicating its importance in Jesus' teaching about the end times and the ongoing struggle for faith.

Key Themes

  • The Cost of Discipleship: Matthew 10:21 highlights the ultimate price some may pay for their allegiance to Christ. It reveals that loyalty to Jesus must supersede even the most sacred family bonds, a challenging truth for His followers.
  • Intense Persecution and Betrayal: The verse vividly portrays a world where faith in Jesus can turn family members against each other, leading to betrayal and even death. This is not merely social ostracization but a life-threatening hostility.
  • Family Division: The core message is the fracturing of familial relationships due to adherence to Christ. This mirrors Jesus' earlier declaration in Matthew 10:34-36 that He came not to bring peace, but a sword, specifically referring to division within households for His sake.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "deliver up" is paradidomi (παραδίδωμι), which means "to hand over," "to betray," or "to surrender." This is the same word used to describe Judas's betrayal of Jesus to the authorities (Matthew 26:15). 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.

Practical Application

While extreme, Matthew 10:21 serves as a timeless reminder of the potential for profound spiritual conflict and the unwavering commitment required to follow Christ. For believers today, this verse:

  • Calls for Sober Reflection: It reminds believers to count the cost of discipleship, understanding that following Jesus may involve sacrifice, even of cherished relationships, when faith becomes a point of contention.
  • Provides Perspective on Opposition: It helps believers understand that opposition for their faith is not new but was foretold by Jesus Himself. This can bring comfort and resolve when facing ridicule, exclusion, or hostility from family or friends.
  • Emphasizes Ultimate Loyalty: It underscores that ultimate loyalty belongs to Christ. While family is vital, devotion to God must take precedence, as seen in Jesus' teaching that "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me" (Matthew 10:37).
  • Encourages Endurance: Despite the grim prediction, Jesus immediately follows this by saying, "but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). This offers hope and a call to perseverance in the face of adversity. This verse also finds echoes in the Old Testament, such as Micah 7:6, which foretold such domestic strife.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:

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