New Testament
Matthew 10:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus highlights a painful reality: sometimes, the closest relationships can become sources of conflict and opposition.
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
A person's enemies will be those of their own household.
And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus highlights a painful reality: sometimes, the closest relationships can become sources of conflict and opposition. When someone chooses to follow Christ, it may lead to disagreements or even hostility from family members who do not share the same faith. This can be particularly challenging, as we often expect support and love from our families. Jesus is preparing His followers for the possibility that their commitment to Him might create rifts in their personal lives. The message serves as a reminder that loyalty to God may sometimes come at a cost, even among those we love the most. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing faith over familial ties when necessary, as true discipleship may require difficult choices. Ultimately, this verse encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with opposition from those closest to them.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Matthew 10:36 to your life
When faced with opposition from family due to your faith, remember that Jesus understands your struggle. Stay committed to your beliefs while also showing love and respect to your family. Seek support from your faith community to help navigate these challenges.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:36 mean?
Matthew 10:36 means that sometimes, following Jesus can lead to conflict with family members. It highlights that those closest to us may not always support our faith, and this can create difficult situations.
What is the meaning of 'enemies will be those of their own household' in Matthew 10:36?
The phrase 'enemies will be those of their own household' indicates that family members can become adversaries when one's beliefs differ. This reflects the reality that faith can cause divisions even among loved ones.
How can I apply Matthew 10:36 in my life?
To apply Matthew 10:36, remain committed to your faith even if it causes tension with family. It's important to balance your beliefs with love and respect for your family while seeking support from your faith community.

The Book of Matthew
Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ
The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Unlock the full Matthew summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.