Luke 12:53

They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses the crowds immediately after describing a household of five being split three against two or two against three. He delivers this warning during His journey to Jerusalem, following teachings on spiritual vigilance and the cost of discipleship.

The words — διαμερισθήσονται (diameristhēsontai) translates literally as "they will be divided" or "separated," while ἐπὶ (epi) with the dative case functions here as "against." These terms establish a structural rupture within domestic relationships rather than mere disagreement.

The thread — This pattern of familial division echoes Micah 7:6, where children rise against parents, and reappears in Matthew 10:21 regarding betrayal and hostility within families. It also aligns with the broader theme of widespread conflict and betrayal in Matthew 24:10.

Why it lands — The text states that gospel allegiance will fracture existing family loyalties before drawing any inference about spiritual priority. It requires the reader to acknowledge that divine commitment will supersede earthly kinship ties, demanding a clear choice without softening the resulting conflict.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Cross-references

Micah 7:6 For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.
Matthew 10:21 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
Matthew 24:10 At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
Zechariah 13:2 And on that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will erase the names of the idols from the land, and they will no longer be remembered. I will also remove the prophets and the spirit of impurity from the land.