Bible Strands
Matthew 10:34
Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Jesus speaks to his twelve disciples at the conclusion of his commissioning instructions. He addresses their expectations about his earthly mission before detailing the relational costs of following him.
The words — The Greek verb νομίσητε (nomisēte) literally means “you may think” or “assume,” combined with the negation μὴ (mē) to forbid a specific expectation. Jesus contrasts εἰρήνην (eirēnēn), meaning “peace,” with the sword to describe the divisive outcome of his arrival.
The thread — This warning follows the denial motif of Matthew 10:33 and directly introduces the family fractures detailed in Matthew 10:35. Luke 12:49 echoes the theme with Jesus stating he came to ignite a fire on the earth, while Acts 14:4 records the resulting division among city residents.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to abandon the expectation that following Jesus guarantees social or familial harmony. It requires a willingness to endure conflict and prioritize loyalty to him over earthly relationships.
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
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
Cross-references
- Luke 12:49 I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!
- Acts 14:4 The people of the city were divided. Some sided with the Jews, and others with the apostles.
- Acts 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.
- Acts 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
- John 7:40 On hearing these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the Prophet.”
- Jeremiah 15:10 Woe to me, my mother, that you have borne me, a man of strife and conflict in all the land. I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.