But to bring a sword
"I came not to bring peace, but to bring a sword" is one of Jesus' most controversial statements[1] because its meaning has many interpretations. The immediate context is the entire verse of Matthew 10:34, "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."[2][3]
Interpretation
One main interpretation of this statement is that "sword" means "division". It indicates that Jesus may not bring peace to a family, but may "split" - the sword plays as a metaphor in this regard. In other words, those who believe in Jesus will be divided or separated from those who don't. Children, or the new generation who believe in Christ, would be set against parents and they would be enemies within their own household.[4]
See also
- The Bible and violence
- Christianity and violence
- Christian pacifism
- Live by the sword, die by the sword
- Sell your cloak and buy a sword
- Turning the other cheek
References
- ↑ Cim, David. "The sword motif in Matthew 10:34". Theological Studies; Vol 56, No 1 (2000), 84-104. School of Theology, Australian Catholic University. doi:10.4102/hts.v56i1.1698.
- ↑ Matthew 10:34
- ↑ Charles Mathewes. Understanding Religious Ethics. p. 186.
- ↑ http://www.answering-islam.org/Authors/Arlandson/matthew_10_34.htm
External links
- Not Peace but a Sword New York Times editorial (March 1, 2004) by William Safire
But to bring a sword | ||
Preceded by John the Baptist Beheaded Ministry of John the Baptist |
New Testament Events |
Succeeded by Feeding the Multitudes Miracles of Jesus |
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