New Testament
Matthew 10:37
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me isn't worthy of me. Anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me isn't worthy of me.
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He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
What Matthew 10:37 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him above all other relationships, including those with our family. He is not suggesting that we should neglect our families, but rather that our love for Him should be the highest priority. This radical call to discipleship means that our commitment to Jesus must surpass even the deepest familial bonds. If our love for family interferes with our devotion to Christ, we are not truly following Him. This teaching challenges us to evaluate our loyalties and to ensure that our love for Jesus shapes all other relationships. It serves as a reminder that true discipleship may require difficult choices and sacrifices, as we align our lives with His will and purpose.
How to apply Matthew 10:37 to your life
To apply this teaching, reflect on your own relationships and consider if anything or anyone takes precedence over your commitment to Jesus. Make intentional choices that demonstrate your love for Him, even if it means making sacrifices in your family life or social circles. Seek to grow in your faith and prioritize your relationship with Christ above all else.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Sending Out the Twelve (Matthew 10:1–42)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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Keep studying Matthew 10:37
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 10:37 mean?
Matthew 10:37 means that Jesus calls His followers to prioritize their relationship with Him above all other relationships, including those with family. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires a commitment to Jesus that surpasses even the strongest familial bonds.
What is the meaning of loving family more than Jesus in Matthew 10:37?
Loving family more than Jesus, as stated in Matthew 10:37, suggests that if our devotion to family interferes with our commitment to Christ, we are not fully following Him. This verse challenges us to evaluate our loyalties and ensure that our love for Jesus is paramount.
How can I apply Matthew 10:37 in my life?
To apply Matthew 10:37, reflect on your relationships and assess if anything takes priority over your commitment to Jesus. Make intentional choices that show your love for Him, even if it means making sacrifices in your family life.
What themes are present in Matthew 10:37?
The themes present in Matthew 10:37 include discipleship, prioritizing Jesus, love and sacrifice, family relationships, and commitment to Christ. These themes encourage believers to evaluate their loyalties and align their lives with Jesus' teachings.
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